Fresh violence in Plateau and Benue states has claimed at least 27 lives, with nine members of the same family killed in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau and 18 others losing their lives in separate attacks in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue.
The attack in Plateau occurred late Saturday when armed men invaded Wereng-Camp and Kum villages. The Berom Youth Moulders Association said the assailants stormed the communities at about 11 p.m. and continued the assault until the early hours of Sunday.
According to the group, the victims were all from one family. Another resident, identified as Pam Yohanna, sustained severe injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
The association condemned the killings, describing them as another episode in the persistent attacks on farming communities in the state. It called on security agencies to strengthen the protection of vulnerable communities and ensure those behind the attack are brought to justice.
In neighbouring Benue State, suspected armed herders carried out separate attacks in Otukpo Local Government Area, killing at least 18 people.
The violence reportedly began on Friday when two farmers were attacked and killed on their farmland in Akpachi Village, Ugboju community. Less than 24 hours later, gunmen struck again in the Otukpo-Nobi community, where at least 16 residents were killed and several others injured.
The latest killings sparked protests in Otukpo as angry youths marched with the bodies of some victims to the palace of the Och’Idoma, demanding urgent government intervention. Protesters also barricaded major roads, disrupting movement in the area.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Maxwell Ogiri, said the attacks could be linked to reprisals following the recent killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ardo Mohammed, and another individual. He said authorities were relocating survivors to safer locations, providing medical assistance and working with security agencies to prevent further attacks.
Reacting to the incident, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, describing them as a barbaric assault on innocent residents. He directed security agencies to intensify surveillance, work closely with neighbouring states and ensure those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.
The renewed bloodshed has heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation across parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region, where recurring attacks continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
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