16 Killed: Tears, Anger as Benue Community Holds Mass Burial for Attack Victims

By Benedicta Aboh

It was a day of tears and anguish in Efeyi community, Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, on Saturday, as 16 residents killed in a suspected armed herdsmen attack were buried in a mass funeral.

The solemn burial ceremony attracted grieving family members, community leaders, traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders and other sympathisers who gathered to bid farewell to the victims.

The deceased were reportedly killed when suspected armed herdsmen invaded the community at about 5 a.m., shooting sporadically and sending residents fleeing in different directions.

Sources said the attackers caught the community unawares, with the early morning assault resulting in the deaths of 16 people and leaving residents devastated.

The latest attack is said to be the second major assault recorded in the area in recent months, further deepening fears among residents over the safety of their communities.

At the burial ground, mourners openly wept as the remains of the victims were brought for interment, with relatives struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of their loved ones.

The atmosphere was particularly sombre as traditional and community leaders led residents in paying their last respects to those killed in the attack.

Speaking at the funeral, a resident, Ogboji Aboje, described the mass burial as one of the darkest moments in the history of Efeyi community.

Aboje said: “The funeral was so touching. The atmosphere was full of sorrow. Tears were gushing. It was the saddest day for the people of Efeyi community. May their souls rest in peace. Amen.”

Prayers were offered for the deceased before their remains were committed to the earth, with mourners seeking divine comfort and strength for the bereaved families.

Eight of the victims were laid in white caskets and lowered into graves dug side by side, while relatives and sympathisers watched in tears.

The ceremony ended with residents mourning the loss of 16 members of their community and renewing their concerns over recurring attacks on rural communities, as they called for urgent measures to protect lives and property.