At least 144 people have been killed in Plateau and Benue states within 14 days in a surge of deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen. The latest assault on Otobi Akpa, Benue, left 13 dead and over 50 houses burned, with several victims still missing.
Plateau recorded 104 deaths—52 each in Bassa and Bokkos LGAs—while Benue suffered 40 fatalities from multiple attacks across Otukpo, Gwer West, and Gwer East LGAs.
In Adamawa, Boko Haram insurgents attacked Hong LGA, killing seven and leaving scores missing. A vigilante was among the dead after a bomb explosion.
In response, Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang announced a ban on night grazing, cattle transport after 7 p.m., and motorcycle use at night. He described the attacks as a “systematic and premeditated campaign” and vowed to protect citizens.
Labour Party’s Peter Obi and rights lawyer Femi Falana called on President Tinubu to return from France and take urgent action. The Northern Elders Forum condemned the killings as a national disgrace and demanded immediate military intervention and justice for victims.
