Tears, white caskets as Benue community buries 16 victims of herdsmen attack

Sorrow and outrage enveloped Efeyi-Utikpi Ugboju community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday as residents gathered for the mass burial of victims killed in a deadly attack by suspected armed herders.

The victims were killed on Tuesday, July 28, when armed men reportedly invaded the agrarian community in Ugboju District, leaving several residents dead and others injured while homes were also destroyed.

The funeral service attracted grieving relatives, community leaders and religious leaders, with dozens of white caskets lined up as a Catholic bishop officiated the final rites.

According to burial notices released by the community, the victims included men, women and children from different generations.

Those identified were Okpe Philip (2010–2026), Joy Samuel (2015–2026), Success Onche (2000–2026), Apeh Samuel (2001–2026), Emmanuel Agwu (1984–2026), Ikpe John (1980–2026), Ameh Fredrick Owoicho (1951–2026), Onche Abechi (1968–2026), Sunday Alechenu (1990–2026), Isaac Ejembi (1961–2026), Emmanuel Ejiga (1981–2026), Edache Abechi (1955–2026), Abogonye Ameh (1973–2026), Chinedu Ameh (1976–2026), Michael Abalike (1981–2026) and Emmanuel Adidu (1981–2026).

Grieving relatives wept beside the caskets as prayers were offered for the repose of the victims’ souls.

Community leaders expressed anger over the recurring attacks on rural communities in Benue, lamenting that residents continue to live under the threat of armed invasions despite repeated assurances of improved security.

They called on the Federal and Benue State governments to move beyond condemnations and take decisive measures to protect rural communities and prevent further bloodshed.

The burial came barely weeks after another mass funeral was held in Otukpo-Nobi community, also in Otukpo Local Government Area, for eight residents killed in a separate attack.

The eight victims were buried on July 12 following an attack by suspected armed herders on the community earlier that day.

Family members, community leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders attended the ceremony, which was marked by grief and tears.

A resident, Attah Rueben, who attended the funeral, described it as one of the darkest moments in the history of the community.

“The funeral was brief. The atmosphere was charged. Tears were flowing. It was the saddest day for the people of Otukpo-Nobi community. May their souls rest in peace. Amen,” he said.

A Catholic priest led prayers before the eight victims, laid in white caskets, were lowered into graves dug side by side.

Reacting to the Otukpo-Nobi attack, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. 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 security of Benue’s rural and farming communities, where residents continue to face the threat of deadly attacks and displacement.

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