Benue under siege again — scores killed in fresh herder attacks

Suspected armed herders attacked communities in Otukpo LGA of Benue State over the weekend and scores of people have been killed. This is coming just weeks after the MACBAN chairman for the state, Ardo Risku, was murdered. The first attack happened on Saturday in Akpachi village in Ugboju community where two people were killed and several injured. Then early Sunday morning the attackers struck again in Otukpo-Nobi and at least eight more people were killed.

Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attacks, calling them a barbaric and inhuman assault on the sanctity of life and the collective soul of the people of Benue State. He said the attacks happened between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. when residents were asleep. He has directed security agencies to intensify patrols and work with neighbouring states to arrest those responsible. But the question on everyone's mind is whether security will actually be provided or if this will just be another statement and nothing changes.

Residents of the affected communities fear these may be reprisal attacks linked to the killing of the MACBAN chairman. Although security agencies have not confirmed that connection, the timing is very suspicious. The police have not issued any official statement on the latest attacks yet. How many more lives will be lost before there is real action?