Thirteen residents of Efeyi Ugboju community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, who were killed in an attack by suspected armed herdsmen, have been buried in a mass ceremony amid grief and calls for improved security.
The victims were laid to rest on Saturday following prayers attended by family members, friends, community leaders and sympathisers.
The deceased were buried in white caskets as mourners struggled to contain their emotions during the ceremony.
A resident of Otukpo, Ebute Samson, described the attack as one of the deadliest incidents witnessed by the community and appealed to the Federal Government to strengthen security in Benue South.
“Tears were flowing like water in a river. We bid them goodbye. Government must do something about the security of Benue South as quickly as possible. The government should locate an Army barracks in Benue South,” he said.
The victims were killed in the early hours of Tuesday, July 28, when suspected armed herdsmen reportedly invaded Efeyi Ugboju community.
The attack left 13 farmers dead and heightened concerns over the security situation in parts of Benue State.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, had confirmed the killing of the 13 residents.
The mass burial has renewed calls from residents for stronger security measures and urgent intervention to prevent further attacks on communities in the area.
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