Police in Benue have confirmed the killing of eight people following an attack by armed assailants on Otukpo-Nobi Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state at the weekend.
State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said in a statement that the attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday and left five other people injured. The police casualty figure contradicted claims by survivors, with some residents saying 10 people were killed, while others alleged that 16 people were murdered by suspected armed herdsmen.
According to the statement, “The Benue State Police Command condemns in practical terms the cruel and tragic attack that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 12th July, 2026, at Otukpo-Nobi Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
“At about 6:00 a.m., the Command received a distress call which reported that armed assailants invaded the community shortly after the successful conclusion of the wake and burial rites of the late Mr. Adaje Okoh, an octogenarian. The attackers reportedly opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the death of eight persons, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Some thatched houses and a motorcycle were also set ablaze during the attack.
“The Benue State Police Command extends its heartfelt and sincere condolences to the bereaved families and the Benue State in general while praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Police added that the injured victims were evacuated to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment, while the bodies were deposited at the mortuary of the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo.
The PPRO stated that the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, led police tactical teams and other operatives to the community to restore normalcy, prevent further attacks and commence investigations into the incident.
Nwadiogbu, who condemned the attack, ordered the deployment of additional tactical and operational assets to Otukpo-Nobi and other vulnerable communities to prevent further breakdown of law and order while ensuring a return to normalcy in the affected area.
Security had been beefed up around the area following protests by aggrieved youths after the attack.
Police appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands and support security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.
