Six people have been confirmed dead after suspected herdsmen launched attacks on the Okpamaju community in Okete Ward and the Asa settlement in Ewulo Ward, both located in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Kennedy Angbo, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa in the Benue State House of Assembly, shared the devastating news with Channels Television, revealing that the attacks, which have spanned three days, have left several others injured, displaced, and forced entire communities to be abandoned.

Angbo emphasized that these continuous assaults have destabilized the region, disrupting public peace and even affecting academic activities at the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo. Students at the institution are living in constant fear due to the ongoing threat of violence.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, Sewuese Anene, confirmed the deaths, stating that two individuals were killed in a violent clash on Wednesday. Anene attributed the conflict to alleged open grazing on farmland in Okpamaju, which had sparked tension among villagers. The situation escalated, leading to the tragic loss of life.

Benue State has struggled with herdsmen violence for over a decade. Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has claimed to have made significant strides in addressing the issue. However, many villages remain vulnerable, as farmers continue to face violent attacks from armed herders, leaving communities living in constant danger.

Two individuals tragically lost their lives after their vehicle detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Boko Haram terrorists. The explosion took place as they were traveling from Harang and Jibhuhwui villages in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State to the Garkida community in Adamawa State.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, also left other passengers severely injured. These survivors were promptly evacuated and are receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Biu Town. The victims were en route to Garkida market when the explosion occurred.

In recent days, Boko Haram has launched attacks on remote communities near Sambisa Forest, looting foodstuffs and livestock without facing any resistance.

Local leaders have commended the efforts of Alhaji Mohammed Shawulu Yohanna, the North East Chairman and Commander of Hunters/Vigilantes in Hawul Local Government Area. Yohanna and his team have been effective in confronting the terrorists and handing them over to the military.

However, there are increasing calls from community leaders for stronger security measures to address the growing number of attacks in areas such as Chibok, Askira-Uba, Damboa, Hawul, and other parts of Borno South Senatorial District.

A source, speaking anonymously for security reasons, revealed that the IED was planted on the road during the night, and the vehicle from Harang and Jibhuhwui unknowingly ran over it. The blast led to two fatalities, while the injured are being treated in Biu Town.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, for further details were unsuccessful at the time of writing.

Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided the headquarters of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Abuja on Tuesday as part of an investigation into alleged fraud and misappropriation of funds.

The raid took place at 11 a.m. and led to the detention of NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatimah Usara, along with three other staff members whose identities remain unknown. The EFCC officials arrived with a valid arrest warrant, signaling the seriousness of the ongoing investigation.

The raid is part of a larger probe into the alleged mismanagement of a N90 billion intervention fund, which was intended to support the 2024 Hajj. Sources within the EFCC revealed to Newsmen that the situation is being treated with utmost gravity.

This latest operation follows a previous raid by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), further intensifying the scrutiny of NAHCON’s financial activities.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to comment on the specifics of the arrests but assured that more information regarding the investigation would be shared in due course.