8 Killed in Bloody Benue Massacre Hours After Burial: Gunmen Storm Otukpo Nobi as MACBAN Denies Involvement

In a shocking incident that has reignited fears of escalating violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, armed assailants attacked the Otukpo Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State in the early hours of Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The attackers struck shortly after residents buried Adaje Okoh, an 80-year-old community member, opening fire indiscriminately on sleeping villagers. According to the Benue State Police Command, the assault resulted in the deaths of eight people and left five others injured.

Coordinated Attacks Spark Outrage

The Sunday morning raid on Otukpo Nobi followed a similar assault days earlier on nearby Akpachi village, where two people were reportedly killed. Local authorities, including Otukpo LGA Chairman Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the recovery of at least 10 bodies across the incidents, with some eyewitness accounts suggesting higher casualties when including the injured and unrecovered victims.

Residents described scenes of chaos as gunmen invaded under the cover of darkness. Many fled into the bushes for safety, while others were caught off guard during post-burial gatherings. The violence prompted angry youths to stage protests in Otukpo, with some demonstrators reportedly carrying the bodies of victims to the Och’Idoma palace in a dramatic show of grief and demand for justice.

MACBAN Distances Itself, Calls for Probe

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Benue State chapter, swiftly condemned the killings and distanced its members from the attack. In a statement, the group urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to unmask the perpetrators and bring them to justice, while appealing for calm to prevent reprisal attacks.

Government Response

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed profound sadness over the “barbaric and inhuman” assault. He ordered security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible and has directed enhanced security presence in the affected areas and surrounding communities.

Recurring Violence in Benue

This latest bloodshed adds to a long list of farmer-herder clashes and bandit attacks that have plagued Benue State for years. The region, known as Nigeria’s food basket, continues to grapple with disputes over land and grazing rights, often resulting in tragic loss of life.

Security operatives are currently investigating the incident, with calls from rights groups and residents for an independent probe to address the root causes of the persistent insecurity.

As the community mourns and tensions remain high, many are questioning when decisive action will finally bring lasting peace to Benue.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more details emerge from police investigations and official statements.