By Kimberly White l Published: July 13, 2026 l Time: 5:45 PM WAT
MAKURDI, Nigeria — At least 18 people were killed after armed gunmen attacked communities in Nigeria's central Benue State on Sunday, in the latest wave of violence to hit a region already grappling with persistent insecurity and deadly clashes between farming and herding communities. Survivors and local residents said the attackers stormed villages, opening fire on civilians and setting homes ablaze before fleeing the area.
Residents said the attack occurred in communities within Otukpo Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly ambushed villagers and fired indiscriminately. Initial reports indicated that at least 18 people lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries. Many residents fled into nearby bushes or neighboring communities as panic spread through the area.
Local authorities have yet to identify those responsible for the assault. However, Benue State has for years experienced recurring violence linked to disputes between farmers and armed herders over access to land and water resources. Criminal gangs operating in the region have also contributed to growing insecurity, making it difficult for security agencies to prevent repeated attacks.
According to residents, several homes and properties were destroyed during the raid, leaving dozens of families displaced. Community leaders appealed to the federal government and security agencies to deploy additional personnel to protect vulnerable villages from further attacks.
Benue State Police confirmed the incident and said security operatives had been deployed to the affected communities to restore order and pursue the attackers. Authorities added that investigations were underway, although no arrests had been announced as of Monday.
The latest killings come barely weeks after another deadly attack in Yelewata, Benue State, where more than 100 people were reportedly killed in one of the deadliest assaults recorded in the state in recent years. That massacre drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and renewed calls for stronger government action to address Nigeria's worsening security crisis.
Benue, often referred to as Nigeria's "Food Basket," has become one of the country's most volatile regions due to repeated communal conflicts, armed banditry, and attacks by heavily armed groups. Thousands of people have been displaced over the years, while farming activities have been severely disrupted, raising concerns about food production and rural livelihoods.
Security analysts say the continued attacks highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy that combines improved security operations with long-term solutions to land disputes, rural development, and conflict resolution. They warn that without sustained intervention, the cycle of violence could further destabilize communities across Nigeria's Middle Belt.
As residents mourn the latest victims, humanitarian organizations have called for immediate assistance for displaced families and urged Nigerian authorities to bring those responsible to justice. Community leaders continue to appeal for increased security presence, expressing fears that more attacks could occur if urgent measures are not taken to protect rural populations.