Benue South Killings: Amnesty International Demands Probe Into Death of 15 Residents

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Federal Government 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 pose a serious threat to the right to life.

The rights organisation made the call in a statement posted on its verified Facebook page on Tuesday, expressing concern over what it described as the continued wave of violence targeting communities in the southern part of the state.

According to Amnesty International, the latest attack occurred on July 28, 2026, in Efeyi-Ugboju, where armed men allegedly killed at least 14 residents. The organisation said the incident came barely a day after another resident was reportedly killed in nearby Ipom-Ugboju, bringing the total number of deaths from the two attacks to at least 15.

Amnesty International described the attacks as part of an unrelenting campaign of violence that has continued to make life difficult for residents of affected communities.

“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 stated.

The group expressed concern that communities in Otukpo and other parts of Benue State continue to face repeated attacks by armed groups while receiving inadequate protection from security agencies.

It said residents should not be left at the mercy of attackers who operate with impunity and disregard for the sanctity of human life.

According to Amnesty International, the government’s inability to prevent the attacks or ensure accountability has created a dangerous cycle of violence, exposing residents to killings, displacement and the destruction of their livelihoods.

The organisation urged Nigerian authorities to conduct an independent, transparent and impartial investigation capable of identifying, arresting and prosecuting all those responsible for the attacks in accordance with the law.

Amnesty International stressed that protecting lives and property remains a constitutional responsibility of the government, adding that those behind the attacks must face justice through a credible judicial process to deter future violence and restore confidence among affected communities.