Fresh violence has once again plunged Nigeria’s North-Central region into mourning after at least 27 people, including nine members of the same family and a two-month-old baby, were killed in separate attacks across Benue and Plateau states over the weekend.
The latest bloodshed has intensified concerns over the country’s worsening security crisis, with grieving communities calling for urgent government intervention to end the repeated attacks on civilians.
In Benue State, suspected armed herders reportedly carried out coordinated assaults on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area, killing at least 18 people in separate incidents. The attacks began when two farmers were murdered on their farmland in Akpachi village before gunmen struck again in the early hours of Sunday, attacking Otukpo-Nobi community and leaving at least 16 more people dead while several others sustained injuries.
The killings triggered widespread outrage as angry youths carried the bodies of victims to the palace of the Och’Idoma during a protest, accusing authorities of failing to protect their communities. Demonstrators also blocked major roads, disrupting movement across Otukpo for several hours.
Local officials said security had been reinforced while efforts were underway to prevent further violence and relocate survivors to safer locations.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attacks, describing them as barbaric acts against innocent citizens. He assured residents that security agencies were working to restore peace and urged the public to provide credible information that could help track down those responsible.
Meanwhile, tragedy also struck Plateau State, where suspected gunmen reportedly attacked Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area late Saturday night.
Nine members of a single family, including a two-month-old infant, were killed during the assault, while the village head suffered critical injuries and was rushed to hospital.
Residents said heavily armed attackers invaded the communities, shooting indiscriminately and forcing terrified families to flee into nearby bushes. Community leaders described the incident as one of the deadliest attacks recorded in the area in recent months.
Security personnel have since been deployed to the affected communities, although many residents remain displaced and fearful of renewed attacks.
The latest wave of violence has renewed calls for stronger security measures across Nigeria’s North-Central region, with citizens urging both the federal and state governments to take decisive action to stop recurring attacks and protect vulnerable communities.
