Sorrow and outrage gripped Efeyi-Utikpi Ugboju community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday as residents conducted a mass burial for 16 people killed in a suspected armed herders’ attack.
The victims were killed on Tuesday, July 28, when suspected armed herders invaded the agrarian community in Ugboju District, leaving 16 people dead, several others injured and homes destroyed.
The mass burial drew grieving relatives, community leaders and clergy members, with 16 white caskets lined up as a Catholic bishop officiated the final rites.
Family members wept openly beside the caskets as prayers were offered for the repose of the victims’ souls.
The deceased included men, women and children from different generations, underscoring the devastating impact of the attack on the community.
Those identified in the community’s burial notice included Okpe Philip, 16; Joy Samuel, 11; Success Onche, 26; Apeh Samuel, 25; Emmanuel Agwu, 42; Ikpe John, 46; Ameh Fredrick Owoicho, 75; Onche Abechi, 58; Sunday Alechenu, 36; Isaac Ejembi, 65; Emmanuel Ejiga, 45; Edache Abechi, 71; Abogonye Ameh, 53; Chinedu Ameh, 50; Michael Abalike, 45; and Emmanuel Adidu, 45.
Community leaders expressed anger over the continued killing of residents in rural communities across Benue, saying farmers remained vulnerable to repeated attacks despite assurances of improved security.
They called on the Federal and state governments to move beyond condemnations and take decisive action to protect communities and end the recurring bloodshed.
The latest tragedy came barely weeks after another mass burial in Otukpo-Nobi community, also in Otukpo LGA, for eight residents killed in a separate attack by suspected armed herders on July 12.
The eight victims were buried in a solemn ceremony attended by family members, community leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders.
A resident who attended the funeral, Attah Rueben, described the ceremony as one of the saddest moments in the history of the community.
He said the atmosphere was filled with grief as mourners wept while the victims were laid to rest.
A Catholic priest offered prayers before the eight victims, who were placed in white caskets and buried side by side.
The victims were killed when suspected armed herders invaded Otukpo-Nobi in the early hours of July 12.
Reacting to the attack at the time, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia described the incident as deadly and directed security agencies to ensure that those responsible were arrested and prosecuted.
The latest mass burial has renewed concerns over the safety of Benue’s rural communities, with residents demanding stronger security measures to prevent further attacks.
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