A dawn-to-dusk curfew has been declared in a Benue local government after gunmen killed at least 22 residents during a nighttime attack on a farming community.
The state’s leadership disclosed that the curfew was introduced to prevent further violence and maintain public order following intelligence that some aggrieved youths planned protest actions that could escalate tensions.
Also, the local government announced the deployment of additional security personnel to sensitive locations to safeguard lives and public assets.
Chairman ofé Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, announced the dawn-to-dusk curfew in a press briefing on Wednesday
He directed residents to comply with the movement restriction as authorities worked to restore calm.
According to Ogiri, intelligence reports suggested that some protesters intended to convey the bodies of those killed to the palace of the Och’Idoma, a move he warned could trigger further unrest if not contained.
“We are taking proactive measures to ensure that grief does not degenerate into widespread disorder.
“Following consultations with community leaders and security agencies, we have introduced the curfew to protect lives, preserve public peace and prevent further escalation,” Ogiri said.
Meanwhile, security operatives have since been stationed at strategic locations, including the Och’Idoma’s palace and other public facilities, to prevent possible attacks on government property and maintain order across the council area.
Recall that The Guild had reported yesterday that the attack occurred in the Efeyi community of Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, where armed attackers stormed a farming settlement and launched a deadly assault on residents.
The Benue State police commissioner also condemned the killings and expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones.
A survivor of the attack identified simply as Egbe described the assault as one of the deadliest the community had experienced in recent years.
“Our community was caught completely off guard. The attackers spared no one, and many families have been left devastated.
“We have recovered at least 22 bodies, but several people are still missing, while hospitals are struggling to cope with the large number of injured victims,” he said.