Tragedy has once again befallen the Iwili community in Entekpa, Adoka District of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, as suspected armed herders unleashed another wave of terror—leaving more grief, fear, and heartbreak in their wake.
Mr. Joseph Oyaje, 58, had just performed the painful duty of burying his younger brother, Emewa Ijamu, another victim of the recent attacks. On his way back from checking on his displaced family—now taking refuge at the Adoka district headquarters—he was ambushed near the Enyinmewo stream by the same suspected herders.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers first seized a woman, Onyenminu Ochoche, and three children under the age of 10, who were traveling on the same road. However, upon spotting Oyaje, the assailants reportedly released the hostages and opened fire. In a desperate bid to escape, Onyenminu managed to flee, but Oyaje, critically injured in the assault, succumbed to his wounds before help could arrive.
Now, the heartbroken community is calling for urgent government intervention.
“This is a massacre in slow motion. We can’t live like this anymore,” a community elder lamented. “Our people are being killed. Families are displaced. And now, children have been taken hostage.”
The attackers are said to be demanding a staggering ₦20 million ransom for the release of the abducted children and an Okada rider.
Residents are pleading with the Benue State Government and Governor Hyacinth Alia to declare a state of emergency in Iwili and deploy armed security forces to the area. They are also calling on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to help amplify their cries for justice and protection.
With the farming season fast approaching, the people of Iwili are begging for peace to return so they can rebuild their lives.
“We want action, not just sympathy. We want to farm, to live, to be free from fear. We need help—now,” said one local youth leader, announcing plans for a peaceful protest to demand answers.
