Grief and outrage erupted in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria as residents gathered for a solemn mass burial following late July’s devastating dawn attack in Otukpo Local Government Area.
On the 28th of July 15 people, including women and children, were cut down when suspected armed herders swept through the agrarian community of Efeyi-Utikpi.
White caskets laid end-to-end across an open field in an agonising and familiar sight in Benue State as families gathered in Efeyi-Utikpi, Ugboju District in Otukpo Local Government Area to say their final goodbyes to 15 victims killed during July’s violent early-morning raid.
The victims were targeted when suspected armed herdsmen stormed their agrarian community, destroying homes and leaving a trail of bloodshed.
For many families, the ceremony offered little comfort, as grief and anger over the recurring attacks remained palpable.
Community leaders say rural communities across Benue State continue to face attacks despite repeated assurances of improved security.
They are calling on the Federal and State Governments to move beyond condemnations and deploy measures capable of protecting vulnerable farming communities.
Representative of Equipping The Persecuted, ETP, a U.S non-governmental organisation, announced a direct financial relief to the bereaved families and local vigilante groups to bolster community-led security.
This tragedy comes just weeks after a similar mass burial in neighboring Otukpo-Nobi, where eight residents were laid to rest following a July 12th attack.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the latest carnage, describing it as “deadly and unprovoked,” and ordered security agencies to hunt down the perpetrators.
For the people of Efeyi-Utikpi, the prayers offered today bring solemn closure, but little reassurance.
Until perpetrators are hunted down and brought to justice, farming communities across Benue State live with the constant fear that tomorrow could bring yet another mass grave.
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Editor: Terverr Tyav
