The Benue State Police Command has disclosed that eight people were killed following an attack by armed assailants on Otukpo-Nobi Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State at the weekend.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, the police said the attack which occurred in the early hours of Sunday also injured five persons.
The police’s casualty figures contradicted the number of victims the survivors claimed they were killed during the carnage.
Some residents of the area had said ten people were killed, while others claimed sixteen people were murdered by suspected armed herdsmen.
According to the statement, the Command said it received a distress call at about 6:00 a.m. reporting that armed attackers had invaded the community and opened fire indiscriminately on residents.
The Command added that some thatched houses and a motorcycle were also burnt during the incident.
The police said the injured victims were evacuated to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment, while the corpses were deposited at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, mortuary.
Udeme said 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.
Nwadiogbu, while condemning the attack also ordered the deployment of additional tactical and operational assets to Otukpo-Nobi and other vulnerable communities to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The police said security was reinforced around the area following protests by some aggrieved youth after the attack.
The Command appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their hands and support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.
“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 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” the statement said.
