Eight killed as assailants attack Benue community after burial

The Benue State Police Command says armed assailants attacked the Otukpo Nobi community in the early hours of Sunday shortly after the burial of an octogenarian, Adaje Okoh, killing eight people and injuring five others.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

The statement read in part, “At about 6:00 a.m., the Command received a distress call reporting 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.”

Edet said that upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, led tactical teams and other operatives to the community to restore law and order and prevent further attacks.

She added that the command had commenced an investigation into the incident. According to her, the injured victims were taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for preservation.

The Police Public Relations Officer said the commissioner condemned the attack and assured residents of Otukpo and the state of the command’s commitment to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible

She added that additional tactical and operational assets had been deployed to the affected community and other vulnerable areas to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.

Edet also disclosed that security had been reinforced around the area following a protest by some aggrieved youths.

The command appealed to residents to remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information to support ongoing investigations.

While extending the command’s condolences to the bereaved families, the commissioner “advised residents to go about their lawful activities, assuring them that adequate security measures had been put in place to protect lives and property.”

Online reports that  Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Benue State chapter, has distanced its members from the attack and killing.