At least 13 farmers have been killed in a violent attack linked to cattle rustling in Efeyi Ugboju Community, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, the state police command has confirmed.
The deadly incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 28, 2026, after suspected armed cattle rustlers reportedly invaded the community and stole livestock belonging to a resident, identified as Peter Ambulus.
The attackers were said to have successfully driven away 20 cattle before their escape turned violent, as they allegedly opened fire on farmers who crossed their path while they attempted to flee through the bush.
The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of farming communities in the area, particularly amid persistent security challenges involving armed criminals and livestock theft.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Benue State Police Command said it received a distress call concerning the invasion and immediately mobilised its personnel to the affected community.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, the police explained that preliminary investigations had provided an account of how the incident unfolded.
According to the Command, the suspected criminals entered the community with the intention of stealing cattle. After successfully rustling 20 animals, they reportedly encountered farmers as they made their way out of the area.
The suspects allegedly resorted to gunfire during the escape, resulting in the deaths of 13 people.
The police condemned the attack, describing the loss of lives as regrettable, while assuring residents that security operatives had commenced efforts to track down the perpetrators.
The situation prompted the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, to personally visit the affected community following the attack.
During his visit, the police commissioner conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and subsequently led a coordinated security operation involving tactical personnel.
The police said the operation, which was designed to clear the area and pursue the suspected criminals, was met with resistance when security operatives came under attack.
According to the Command, suspected members of the cattle-rustling syndicate ambushed the security team, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire between the operatives and the suspected bandits.
The confrontation reportedly ended with two suspected members of the criminal group being neutralised.
Security personnel also recovered an AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of ammunition during the operation, according to the police.
The Command said the recovery of the weapon and ammunition would form part of the ongoing investigation as security agencies continue efforts to establish the identities and activities of the criminal group behind the attack.
Meanwhile, the police have continued their search for other members of the suspected syndicate who escaped during the encounter.
Tactical teams have reportedly been deployed to surrounding forests and neighbouring communities as part of an intensified operation to locate the fleeing suspects.
The operation is also aimed at recovering the 20 cattle stolen during the attack and gathering further intelligence that could lead to the arrest of other individuals allegedly involved in the crime.
Commissioner Nwadiogbu expressed his condolences to the families of the 13 victims, describing the attack as heinous and unacceptable.
He assured residents that the police would not relent in their efforts to bring those responsible to justice, while directing tactical and operational commanders to sustain the operation until the remaining suspects are apprehended.
The police leadership also urged residents of the affected community and surrounding areas to remain calm as security personnel continue to work to restore stability.
The Command maintained that additional measures were being taken to strengthen security around the affected communities and prevent further attacks by criminal elements.
Residents were also encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate security authorities.
The police stressed the importance of public cooperation in the fight against crime, particularly in rural communities where information from residents can help security agencies identify criminal hideouts and track the movements of suspected attackers.
The latest incident adds to the security challenges confronting communities in Benue State, where farming and livestock-related disputes, cattle rustling and attacks by armed criminal groups have continued to raise concerns over the safety of residents.
For the families of those killed in Efeyi Ugboju, however, the immediate concern remains the loss of their loved ones.
As the police-led operation continues, attention is now focused on whether the remaining suspects will be arrested, whether the stolen cattle will be recovered and whether the security presence in the area will be sufficient to prevent another deadly incident.
The Benue State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to pursuing the perpetrators and ensuring that those found responsible for the killings and cattle rustling face the full weight of the law.
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