Fifteen victims of the July 28, 2026 attack on Efeyi-Utikpi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State have been buried in a mass grave.

The deceased, including women and children, were killed when suspected armed herders reportedly invaded the farming community in Ugboju District.

Their remains were laid to rest on Saturday amid tears and anguish, as relatives, residents and community members gathered to mourn the victims and bid them a final farewell.

The attack reportedly left several residents traumatised and destroyed homes, deepening concerns over the safety of rural communities across the state.

The mass burial came less than three weeks after eight other victims of an attack on Otukpo-Nobi were buried.

The July 12, 2026 attack claimed the lives of five adults and three children, according to the police.

The recurrence of deadly attacks has heightened concerns over the security of farming communities in Benue, with residents calling on the government to urgently strengthen security measures and protect lives and property.

A representative of Equipping the Persecuted, a United States-based non-governmental organisation, reportedly announced financial assistance for the families of the victims as well as local vigilante groups.

The latest mass burial has once again underscored the devastating impact of insecurity on communities in Benue, where residents continue to face the threat of attacks while going about their daily activities.

Community leaders have renewed calls on the Federal and Benue State governments to intensify security operations and take decisive steps to prevent further killings.

For the bereaved families, Saturday’s mass burial was a painful farewell to 15 loved ones whose lives were cut short in the deadly attack.