The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that eight people were killed after armed assailants attacked Otukpo-Nobi Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State over the weekend.
Police spokesman, DSP Udeme Edet, said in a statement that the attack happened in the early hours of Sunday. Five other people were injured. The police figure differs from claims by survivors, as some residents said 10 people were killed, while others claimed suspected armed herdsmen murdered 16 people.
“The Benue State Police Command condemns in practical terms the cruel and tragic attack that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 12th July, 2026, at Otukpo-Nobi Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
“At about 6:00 a.m., the Command received a distress call which reported that armed assailants invaded the community shortly after the successful conclusion of the wake and burial rites of the late Mr. Adaje Okoh, an octogenarian. The attackers reportedly opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the death of eight persons, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Some thatched houses and a motorcycle were also set ablaze during the attack.
“The Benue State Police Command extends its heartfelt and sincere condolences to the bereaved families and the Benue State in general while praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the statement said.
The statement added that the injured victims were taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment, while the bodies of those killed were deposited at the mortuary of the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo.
Edet said the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, led police tactical teams and other operatives to the community to restore calm, stop further attacks and begin investigations.
Nwadiogbu condemned the attack and ordered the deployment of more tactical and operational personnel to Otukpo-Nobi and other vulnerable communities to prevent another breakdown of law and order and restore normalcy.
Security was strengthened around the area after angry youths staged protests following the attack.
The command also urged residents to remain calm, avoid taking the law into their own hands and support security agencies with credible information to help ongoing investigations.
