KABUL (Pajhwok): At least 14 villagers have been killed and several others wounded in a fresh attack in Nigeria’s central Benue state, a local official said, as violence linked to long-running disputes between farmers and herders continues.
The attack occurred early on Tuesday in Efeyi village of Otukpo Local Government Area, where unidentified gunmen stormed the community and opened fire, killing 14 people and injuring several others, Reuters reported.
Otukpo Local Government Chairman Maxwell Ogiri blamed the attack on suspected Fulani militia, saying the assailants struck without warning. He added that similar attacks had occurred in neighbouring communities in recent days.
Benue has long been one of Nigeria’s worst-affected states by recurring clashes between farming communities and nomadic cattle herders. The conflict, driven by disputes over land, grazing routes and access to natural resources, has claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.
The Fulani are predominantly nomadic herders from northern Nigeria, while many farming communities in the region are largely Christian. Fulani organisations have previously denied allegations linking them to such attacks.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the latest assault.
Benue police spokesperson Udeme Edet said security personnel had been deployed to the affected area and an investigation into the incident was underway.
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