What was meant to be a day of joy and celebration turned into mourning for residents of Otukpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, following an attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the early hours of Christmas morning.

According to eyewitness accounts, about 15 persons were confirmed dead while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to undisclosed hospitals for treatment. Many houses were razed, forcing residents to flee their homes to unknown locations in search of safety.

Among those confirmed dead in the attack are: John Aneh, Goodluck Edache, Juliet Ema, Lawrence Akoche, Miriam Obe, Patricia Emelumonye, Aloysius Ifenna, Loveth Odomu, and Glory Ochepothe.

Community leaders said herders have, over the years, continued to attack villagers, destroying farmlands and claiming large portions of land for grazing. Youths in Otukpa have reportedly resisted these incursions, insisting that their farmlands cannot be converted into grazing fields. However, residents described the Christmas Day attack as the height of inhumanity.

They have appealed to the federal government to urgently intervene, warning that the people of the community will no longer tolerate the incessant killings and destruction.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Sewuese Catherine Anene, urged residents to remain calm. She assured that security operatives will track down the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law.