Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to launch an independent, impartial and effective investigation into the deadly attack on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, which left at least 10 people dead.
The human rights organisation made the demand following the attack on Otukpo Nobi and Akpachi-Ugboju communities on Sunday, July 12, 2026, which reportedly triggered fear and panic among residents.
Amnesty stressed that the government has a primary responsibility to protect the lives and property of citizens, urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed.
“The Nigerian authorities must carry out an independent, impartial and effective investigation into the deadly Sunday, 12 July, 2026 attack on Otukpo Nobi and Akpachi-Ugboju, Benue State, in which at leas
t 10 people were killed,” the organisation said
The group also expressed concern over protests by youths following the attack, describing the demonstrations as a reflection of growing frustration over repeated cases of killings and kidnappings across Benue State.
According to Amnesty, the decision by protesters to carry the bodies of victims to the Och’Idoma Palace showed the urgency of addressing the insecurity affecting communities in the state.
“The fact that the protesters carried the victims’ corpses to the Och’Idoma Palace to register their grievances is another indication that it is time to urgently end the bloodshed,” it stated.
The organisation revealed that some families reported missing relatives after the attack, while several others were left with serious injuries.
Amnesty warned that continuous attacks on rural communities have worsened the humanitarian crisis in Benue State, leaving behind fresh graves and increasing the number of internally displaced persons.
It said more than 500,000 people have been displaced by attacks in the state, with many victims reportedly living in camps lacking adequate water, sanitation, food and healthcare facilities.
The rights gr
Ļoup urged the Nigerian authorities to take immediate steps to protect civilians, provide humanitarian support for displaced persons and ensure that suspected perpetrators of the attacks are brought to justice.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.