The Youth Leader of Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State, Ikulono Simeon, says at least eight people were killed after suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked his community in the early hours of the morning.
Speaking during an interview on AIT News on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Simeon described the attack as sudden, saying residents were caught off guard when the gunmen invaded the community at about 5:00 a.m.
“Yesterday morning, around 5:00 a.m., Fulani herdsmen came to the community and killed eight people. We didn’t have anything to fight them,” he said.
According to Simeon, the attackers overwhelmed the community, leaving residents unable to resist because they lacked the means to defend themselves.
He said the victims lost their lives amid inadequate security and limited capacity within the community to repel the assault.
The youth leader added that the attack has left the community in mourning, with families grieving the loss of their loved ones and many residents living in fear of further attacks.
Simeon also said the violence has displaced some residents, who remain uncertain about when it will be safe to return to their homes.
