Benue State’s Zone C, home to the Idoma-speaking people and many retired Nigerian generals, is under relentless siege by suspected armed herdsmen. The once peaceful region has now become a battleground, leaving dozens dead, homes burnt, and entire communities displaced.
The towns affected, including Otukpo—the traditional headquarters of the Idoma—have faced unprovoked and escalating attacks in recent weeks. What started with the cold-blooded murder of five hunters, including APC councillorship aspirant Amedu Agaba in Okpomaju village on February 7, has spiraled into a full-blown humanitarian crisis.
Witnesses report the assailants—armed with sophisticated weapons—stormed villages such as Okpomaju, Odudaje, Emichi, Otukpo-Icho, and even Otada, home of the Federal University of Health Sciences, causing panic and forcing mass evacuations.
“These were unprovoked attacks,” said one resident. “They came into our village and started shooting. We ran into the bush. Some never made it out.”
The violence escalated on April 1 when another deadly attack claimed the lives of a nursing mother, Akatu Onche, and four others in Asa 2, Otukpo. Just days later, suspected herdsmen ambushed a Benue Links bus, killing the driver and two passengers. Thirteen others were kidnapped but later rescued.
On April 16, the Otobi community was hit hard with 13 people killed and parts of the town set ablaze. The very next day, while the State Police Commissioner Steve Yabanet was in Otukpo to assess the situation, fresh attacks were carried out in Emichi, Okpomaju, and Odudaje, leaving more residents injured.
The traditional ruler of Otukpo, HRH John Eimonye, didn’t mince words during a recent public address. He called the continuous killings an existential threat, urging his people to defend themselves.
“The time has come for us to defend and protect ourselves. We can’t keep relying on security agencies that lack fuel or delay response,” he said solemnly.
Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South, echoed these concerns, pushing for swift action by security agencies. Former Senate President David Mark also demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attacks, revealing that three suspected herders have already been apprehended in connection with the Otobi killings. He assured residents that the National Security Adviser has promised to deploy additional security forces to restore calm in the region.
As the community reels from the violence, local leaders and stakeholders are rallying to discuss urgent solutions. With more than 30 lives lost and countless others affected, the people of Otukpo are calling on Nigeria and the world to not just hear their cries—but act.
This is more than news—it’s a cry for help. Share this story, raise your voice, and stand with the people of Benue. Together, we can demand justice and lasting peace.
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