Benue South killings: Amnesty International demands probe into death of 15 residents

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Nigerian authorities to launch a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the killing of at least 15 people in Ugboju District, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, warning that the attacks represent an escalating threat to the right to life.

In a statement issued on its verified Facebook page on Tuesday,, Amnesty said the latest attack occurred on 28 July 2026 in Efeyi-Ugboju, where armed groups allegedly killed at least 14 residents. The attack came a day after another resident was reportedly killed in nearby Ipom-Ugboju, bringing the total number of deaths from the two incidents to at least 15.

Amnesty International said the attacks underscore what it described as an unrelenting campaign of violence against communities in the southern part of Benue State.

“These killings in the southern part of Benue State clearly show an unrelenting campaign of violence that continues to make life a hell for villagers,” the organisation said.

The organisation expressed concern that communities in Otukpo and across Benue State continue to face repeated attacks by armed groups with little protection.

“Communities in Otukpo and across the state cannot continue to be left entirely at the mercy of armed attackers who operate with complete impunity and total disregard for the right to life,” Amnesty International stated.

According to the organisation, the persistent failure of the Nigerian government to proactively prevent the attacks or hold perpetrators accountable has created a dangerous cycle of violence, leaving residents under constant threat of death, displacement and the destruction of their livelihoods.

Amnesty International called on the authorities to carry out a transparent, independent and impartial investigation to identify, arrest and prosecute all those suspected of responsibility for the killings in accordance with the rule of law.

“The government is obligated to protect lives and property. Those responsible for these attacks must be identified, arrested and held accountable through a credible judicial process,” the organisation added.