MAKURDI / OTUKPO — A fresh wave of violence has struck Benue State, leaving at least 15 people dead and several others with severe injuries following coordinated attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities within the Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA). The Assailants: Survivors and fleeing residents identified the attackers as suspected armed herdsmen who invaded the communities, opening fire indiscriminately on defenseless villagers and setting properties ablaze. Survivors and fleeing residents identified the attackers as suspected armed herdsmen who invaded the communities, opening fire indiscriminately on defenseless villagers and setting properties ablaze. Ongoing Security Crisis in the RegionLOCATION: Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State CASUALTIES: At least 15 confirmed dead; several injured SUSPECTS: Suspected armed herdsmen STATUS: Active investigation; urgent security deployment requestedThis latest massacre in Otukpo LGA compounds the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in Benue State. Local stakeholders continue to criticize the reactive nature of security deployments, demanding proactive, intelligence-driven operations to neutralize the armed groups occupying the state’s rural forests.