By Stephen Simon
At least eight persons were killed and five others injured when suspected gunmen attacked mourners shortly after a funeral in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Benue State, in the latest wave of violence to hit the state’s troubled communities.
The attack occurred on Sunday evening as residents were returning from a funeral ceremony when the assailants opened fire indiscriminately, forcing mourners and other residents to flee for safety. Several thatched houses and a motorcycle were also set ablaze during the attack.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying eight people were killed while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Police spokesperson, Udeme Edet, said security operatives had been deployed to the area to restore calm and track down the perpetrators.
Amnesty International Nigeria, however, said the death toll was higher, putting the number of those killed at at least 10. The rights group condemned the continued attacks on rural communities and urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to protect lives and property.
Benue has witnessed repeated attacks linked to longstanding conflicts between farming and herding communities over land and grazing routes. The recurring violence has displaced thousands of residents and disrupted farming activities in several local government areas.
Residents have appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen security in vulnerable communities, expressing concern over the frequency of attacks despite repeated assurances by authorities.
Police said investigations into the latest attack have commenced, while additional security personnel have been deployed to the affected community to prevent further violence and reassure residents.
