At least 15 people have been killed in fresh attacks by armed invaders on communities in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The violence began on Monday and intensified on Tuesday, leaving residents in fear and many families grieving.

Locals said the latest attack struck Efeyi-Ugboju community at about 5 a.m. on Tuesday. By 11:30 a.m., 14 bodies had been recovered, with more still being pulled from bushes and farms.

Several injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

One person was also killed earlier on Monday in Ipom community, part of the same Ugboju area, bringing the total confirmed deaths to at least 15.

Residents Describe “Pathetic” Scene as Calls Grow for Stronger Action

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “pathetic,” saying the attackers operated for hours without interruption.

“The attack started around 5 a.m. and continued till past 9 a.m. Fourteen people were killed mercilessly in Efeyi-Ugboju, while the armed herders responsible for the attacks killed another person at Ipom-Ugboju on Monday morning,” the resident said.

Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi. He said 14 bodies had been recovered from Efeyi-Ugboju, while many others sustained injuries.

He condemned the killings, describing them as unprovoked and aimed solely at taking innocent lives.

“There was no provocation. They came only to shed blood and kill our people. Fourteen dead bodies have been recovered, while many others were wounded,” Ogiri said. “The people are living in fear, and there is great apprehension. Residents of neighbouring communities are already fleeing for safety.”

The council chairman expressed concern that despite the presence of security agencies, including the military, police, Mobile Police and Agro-Rangers, the attacks continued.

He called for stronger enforcement of Benue’s Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, which bans open cattle grazing and requires ranching to reduce farmer–herder clashes.

“I do not know whether the security personnel on the ground are not enough. There should be a deliberate effort by the government to enforce the Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law because everything is tied to it,” Ogiri added.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to get details of the report at the time of speaking.