Benue Attack Leaves Child, Two Others Dead

A four-year-old boy and two other persons have been killed in an attack on Omulonye community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Several residents also sustained injuries in the attack, which reportedly occurred at about 9pm and forced many villagers to flee to neighbouring communities.

Residents said the attackers opened fire indiscriminately as people were preparing to retire for the night.

“It was an unprovoked attack. The people were in their homes, preparing to go to bed, when they started hearing gunshots, triggering pandemonium,” a community source said.

According to the source, three people were killed on the spot, including the four-year-old boy and his uncle, while the child’s mother sustained serious injuries.

Other injured residents were reportedly taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for treatment.

The source said the victims had since been buried, while many survivors remained displaced and were taking refuge in nearby communities.

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the attack and the death toll.

“Yes, the reports are true. Three persons were confirmed dead in the attack, and efforts are being made to identify and arrest the perpetrators,” he said.

Police did not immediately identify those responsible for the assault, although local sources alleged that suspected armed herdsmen carried out the attack.

The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in rural communities across Benue, where recurring attacks have continued to displace residents and claim lives.