BREAKING: Dead bodies Litter streets after fresh herdsmen attack on Ugboju community

Residents of Ugboju District in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State have once again come under attack by suspected armed herdsmen, barely days after coordinated assaults on Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities left several people dead and many others displaced.

IDOMA VOICE gathered that the latest attack occurred on Tuesday when heavily armed assailants stormed parts of the community, opening fire on residents and forcing many to flee for safety.

Multiple casualties were recorded in the attack, with several victims reportedly killed. Disturbing scenes from the community showed bodies lying in different locations as survivors fled into nearby bushes to escape the onslaught. Idoma Voice could not immediately establish the final casualty figure as of the time of filing this report.

The latest assault comes less than 72 hours after suspected herdsmen attacked Akpachi community in Ugboju before launching another deadly attack on neighbouring Otukpo-Nobi community, attacks that sparked widespread outrage across Benue South and renewed calls for urgent government intervention.

Earlier attacks on Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi drew condemnation from political leaders, socio-cultural organisations and rights groups, while residents protested what they described as worsening insecurity in Otukpo Local Government Area. Amnesty International also called for an independent investigation into the killings and stronger protection for civilians.

The renewed violence has heightened fears among residents, many of whom have abandoned their homes as the attacks spread to more communities within Ugboju District.

As of the time of this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack, while efforts were ongoing to determine the number of those killed, injured or missing.