Mayhem in Benue Communities as Suspected Herdsmen Kill 46

Forty-six persons have been confirmed dead on Wednesday following the mayhem unleashed on Umogidi community in Entekpa Adoka district of Otukpo council area of Benue state.

The attacking came on the heels of another attack on the same community on Tuesday which left 3 persons dead, with yet another 3 murdered in Igbobi community of neighbouring Apa council area on Monday. .

The attackers reportedly came back to Umogidi community on Wednesday after the first 3 victims killed on Tuesday were buried. 

"I can confirm to you that there was an attack in Umogidi and as of this morning, the causality figure, from those who were seen physically from what I was told, was 46. But the figure may be higher because some people are still reported missing," Special Adviser to the State Governor on Security, Lt. Col. Paul Hemba, retd., told newsmen. 

Executive Chairman, Otukpo council area, Bako Eje, who confirmed the attacks, disclosed that after the killing on Tuesday, the attackers indeed returned to Umogidi community on Wednesday at about 4:15pm and unleashed further mayhem, killing 46 people, including his son, his younger sister's husband and her son. 

"...these herders killed three people on Tuesday and they came back on Wednesday at about 4.15 pm and killed 46 people, including my own son, who was 32 years old. We just buried him and some other persons are still missing.

“Among the people killed were my immediate younger sister’s husband, and her second son who was almost 38 years old.”

Spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the recovery of eight corpses including that of a policeman. She added that the command has drafted more officers and men to the community to prevent further attacks.

“Attack on Umogidi community is confirmed. Eight corpses have been recovered, including a police officer. More police teams have been deployed to the area to forestall further breakdown of law and order,” Anene said.