17 killed as Benue boils again

At least 17 people have been reportedly killed in an attack on three communities in Entekpa Ward in Adoka District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Locals identified the affected communities to include Iwili, Umogidi and Opaha in Entekpa ward of Adoka district in Otukpo LGA.

Alfred Oketa Omakwu, the Otukpo local government Chairman, said seven dead bodies had been recovered as of Tuesday afternoon, with the help of soldiers.

Omakwu said the search for more bodies would continue when soldiers return.

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A witness simply known as Adakole told our correspondent on telephone that a total of 17 people were feared dead while four persons had been buried.

“We fear that more people have been killed, although four bodies were recovered on Monday night. Altogether 17 persons are missing. We think they might have all been killed but we are still combing the bushes in search of them.

“The attack started on Saturday after a rumour broke out a day earlier that the gunmen were advancing from Agatu local government area towards the Otukpo area bounding the affected area.

“As we speak, search parties who went to recover bodies of missing persons in the bush came under attacks by the armed invaders and we are hearing that more people may have been gunned down too,” he said.

He said villagers had deserted their homes in the affected areas while the invaders were threatening the troubled Umogidi, Iwilli and Opaha.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, said she did not have the report.