Renewed Violence in Benue: 71 Killed as Leaders Call for Urgent Security Action

Former Senate President David Mark and Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia have both condemned a wave of deadly attacks that have left at least 71 people dead in various communities across Benue State within a short span.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Paul Mumeh, Mark described the attacks in Otukpo and Ado local councils, which claimed at least 15 lives on Tuesday night, as “one too many,” and warned that the killings appear to be “an organised and premeditated onslaught.”

“We cannot continue to sit back and watch our people being slaughtered for no reason,” Mark said.

Governor Alia confirmed that 11 people were killed in Otobi community in Otukpo, with many others injured and homes burnt. Speaking to AIT, he described the attackers as “horrible, terrible fighters” and claimed the violence is part of a broader strategy to grab land under the guise of random violence.

“They come, kill anyone in sight regardless of ethnicity, drive everyone out, and after a few weeks, they return in full force for occupation,” he said.

In a separate but related incident, 56 people were reportedly killed in coordinated attacks on Ukum and Logo local government areas, with Alia calling on the Federal Government to intervene decisively to end the bloodshed.

During a visit to the affected communities on Saturday, Alia condemned the violence, urged calm, and appealed to locals not to resort to self-help. He assured residents of increased security presence in the Sankera axis, where most of the recent violence occurred, and announced the deployment of emergency relief materials to displaced persons.

Meanwhile, tension remains high in Ukum, where heavily armed Fulani herdsmen were reportedly seen with cattle and weapons in Chito Village Market Square, allegedly forcing their way into people’s homes.

“There are more militant herdsmen in my hometown, Chito in Ukum Local Council with AK 47 rifles… It has been 72 hours of terror and no single word from any security agency,” said a local resident.

Mark stressed the need for community vigilance groups and urged locals to remain accommodating but vigilant.

As killings continue, community members and leaders alike are demanding urgent and coordinated national security response to restore peace and confidence in the state.