Anguished Residents of Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, Benue State in Northcentral Nigeria Saturday conducted a mass burial for 16 persons allegedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
The victims were reportedly brutally killed when the attackers invaded the agrarian community in the early hours of the day.
The attack left 15 people, including women and children dead, many injured, and homes razed.
During the mass burial, family members, community leaders, traditional rulers, political leaders and religious figures gathered to pay their final respects to the victims, as mourners wailed and yelled while the remains of the deceased persons were brought to the burial ground.
Among the deceased as listed in a burial poster were: Okpe Philip (2010–2026); Joy Samuel (2015–2026); Success Onche (2000–2026); Apeh Samuel (2001–2026); Emmanuel Agwu (1984–2026); Ikpe John (1980–2026); Ameh Fredrick Owoicho (1951–2026); Onche Abechi (1968–2026); Sunday Alechenu (1990–2026); Isaac Ejembi (1961–2026); Emmanuel Ejiga (1981–2026); Edache Abechi (1955–2026); Abogonye Ameh (1973–2026); Chinedu Ameh (1976–2026); Michael Abalike (1981–2026); and Emmanuel Adidu (1981–2026).
Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the deceased and moments of silence were observed in honour of those killed by the terrorists.
A Catholic priest led prayers at the ceremony before the coffins of the victims were finally lowered into the graves, amid tumultous cries.
A resident, Aboyi Owi, who attended the funeral, described the ceremony as one of the saddest moments in the history of the community.
He said, “The funeral was so touching. The atmosphere is full of sorrow, tears and anger because this was an avoidable death if those responsible for ensuring the security of lives and property were alive to their responsibilities.
“We do not know when our government will take genuine action to end the activities of armed herdsmen in this country. For as long as we allow armed herders to keep tormenting Nigerians, there will be no end to the mass killing of Nigerians by the criminal gangs. This is just the saddest day for the people of Efeyi community,”
Recall that on July 12, 2026, residents of Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State also held a mass burial for eight people killed in an armed herdsmen attack.