The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the killing of eight people following an attack by armed assailants on Otukpo-Nobi Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State at the weekend.
DSP Udeme Edet, the command’s spokesman, 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.
“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,” the statement said.
It added that the injured victims were evacuated to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment, while the bodies were deposited at the mortuary
