# Benue State insecurity and ethnic violence > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/benue-state-herder-attacks > Updated: 2026-08-16T16:42:03.000Z. Sources: 49. Developments: 11. The wave of herder‑linked attacks that began in July 2025 has continued into mid‑2026, expanding both in scope and brutality. In early June, suspected armed herders ambushed and beheaded health worker Ojoma Emie on the Ikobi‑Ugbokpo road, prompting condemnation from Senator Abba Moro and calls for stronger security. In early July, the Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum condemned the killing of Fulani leaders Ardo Risku Mohammed and Yakubu Isah, urging impartial investigations and warning against collective ethnic blame. The same month, a series of assaults across Otukpo LGA – notably the July 12‑13 massacres in Nobi, Akpachi and nearby Plateau villages – left at least 27 dead, sparked mass protests, and led traditional ruler Chief John Eimonye to order the immediate expulsion of herders from the kingdom. Subsequent raids on Ondo (July 14) and Ankpechi (July 16) caused further casualties, looting and injuries, intensifying scrutiny of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s response and highlighting political tension between Idoma and Tiv leaders. By July 22, coordinated attacks across Benue South had pushed the death toll to nearly 60 and displaced thousands, prompting large‑scale protests at the Idoma palace. A repeat assault on the Efeyi community on July 28 resulted in 13‑14 deaths, a dusk‑to‑dawn curfew, and Governor Samuel Ortom reporting an attempted attack on his farm. Violence persisted into August, when suspected herdsmen killed four farmers in Guma LGA’s Abaushwa community. On August 16, 2026, motorcycle-riding gunmen invaded multiple communities in Ukum LGA, including Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio, Ukpen, and Bom. While initial reports noted five bodies, subsequent accounts from local officials and lawmakers indicated the attacks appeared coordinated, with at least 22 recovered bodies. Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attackers, describing them as ‘terrorists masquerading as herdsmen,’ and commended security agencies for their intervention. ## Claims - Armed attackers killed at least 20 people in the Amper community of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State. (disputed) - The Plateau State Police Command initially reported 18 casualties in an attack on the Amper community, though figures were expected to rise. (disputed) - Armed herders attacked the Efeyi community in Ugboju, Otukpo LGA, killing at least 13‑14 people and injuring several others. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Armed attackers invaded several communities in Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State, on Sunday morning. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Otukpo council chairman Maxwell Ogiri blamed the attack on Fulani militia. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Benue State police deployed officers to the affected area and opened an investigation. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Survivors reported that 24 people were killed during an attack on Bin-Per village in Plateau State. (corroborated by 3 sources) - An attack in the Jwak Maitumbi community of Plateau State resulted in the destruction of approximately 45 houses. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Otukpo Local Government Council imposed a dusk‑to‑dawn curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. after the attack. (single source) - Governor Samuel Ortom was attacked on his farm by about 15 gun‑armed men and escaped by running more than one kilometre on foot. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-16: Nigeria: Deadly armed attacks reported in Benue and Plateau states Armed attacks in Nigeria’s Benue and Plateau states have left dozens dead and numerous homes destroyed. Security forces have deployed to the affected regions to manage the violence and prevent reprisals. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gunmen-carry-out-deadly-attacks-in-benue-and-plateau-states ### 2026-08-09: Benue State residents report rights violations and aid diversion Residents in Benue State, Nigeria, are reporting rural killings and aid diversion, while health authorities and the WHO work to strengthen protections against sexual exploitation in displacement camps. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benue-state-residents-report-rights-violations-and-aid-diversion ### 2026-08-04: Four Farmers Killed in Benue State Herdsmen Attack Four farmers were killed and several injured in a midnight herdsmen attack on the Abaushwa community of Benue State, Nigeria; officials condemned the violence and police launched investigations. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/four-farmers-killed-in-benue-state-herdsmen-attack ### 2026-07-28: Benue State attacks kill up to 14, spark curfew and political fallout Herder attacks in Benue’s Otukpo killed up to 14, prompted a curfew, sparked a governor’s escape, and ignited political blame between state officials and the PDP. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benue-state-attack-leaves-13-dead-in-otukpo-community ### 2026-07-22: Violent Attacks in Benue State, Nigeria Kill Nearly 60 and Displace Thousands Suspected Fulani herders attacked villages in Benue State, Nigeria, killing about 60 people, injuring many, and displacing thousands amid claims of retaliation for a recent MACBAN leader’s murder. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/violent-attacks-in-benue-state-nigeria-kill-nearly-60-and-displace-thousands ### 2026-07-16: Benue State armed herders raid injures resident and fuels political tension Armed herders attacked Benue State villages in July 2026, injuring a resident and killing about 20 people, sparking concern over local governance and Deputy Governor Sam Ode's role. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benue-state-armed-herders-raid-injures-resident-and-fuels-political-tension ### 2026-07-14: Fulani herders attack Benue community, prompting evacuations and protests Suspected Fulani herders attacked the Ondo community in Benue State, Nigeria, forcing residents to flee and sparking protests; authorities condemned the assault and pledged heightened security. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fulani-herders-attack-benue-community-prompting-evacuations-and-protests ### 2026-07-12: Benue State attacks kill dozens and trigger protests, herders' expulsion order Armed herders attacked Otukpo and nearby villages in Benue, killing up to 18; protests erupted, the monarch ordered herders out, and officials vowed tighter security. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benue-state-nigeria-armed-herders-kill-dozens-residents-protest-at-ochidoma-palace ### 2026-07-04: Benue, Nigeria: Ochetoha K'Idoma Condemns Killing of Fulani Leaders, Demands Justice Ochetoha K'Idoma Forum condemned the killing of Fulani leaders Ardo Risku Mohammed and Yakubu Isah in Benue State, calling for arrests, equal empathy and criticizing government security failures. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benue-nigeria-ochetoha-kidoma-condemns-killing-of-fulani-leaders-demands-justice ### 2026-06-09: Senator Abba Moro condemns beheading of health worker in Benue South, Nigeria Senator Abba Moro reported the beheading of health worker Ojama Emi by armed attackers in Benue South, Nigeria, condemning security failures and urging government action. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senator-abba-moro-condemns-beheading-of-health-worker-in-benue-south-nigeria ### 2026-06-08: Benue State herders behead health worker in Ikobi, Nigeria Suspected herders ambushed, killed and beheaded health worker Ojoma Emie on a Benue State road, prompting local officials to demand urgent security action. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benue-state-herders-behead-health-worker-in-ikobi-nigeria --- Cite as: Benue State insecurity and ethnic violence. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/benue-state-herder-attacks