NAISP Calls for State of Emergency in Benue Over Fresh Killings in Otukpo Communities

The National Association of Idoma Security Professionals (NAISP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Benue State following a series of deadly attacks on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, NAISP President, Comrade Jonathan Onoja, alleged that over 18 people were killed in separate attacks on Akpachi, Otukpo Nobi, and Ondo Ugboju between July 12 and July 14, 2026.

Speaking during a world press briefing themed “Benue Is Bleeding: State of Emergency Now,” Onoja described the attacks as coordinated assaults that have left many residents dead, several others injured, properties destroyed, and thousands displaced.

According to him, the latest attack occurred on the morning of July 14 in Ondo Ugboju, marking what he described as the third attack within 72 hours in the same local government area.

NAISP expressed concern over what it described as the inadequate response of the Benue State Government to the security situation and argued that the constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property had not been effectively fulfilled.

The association urged President Tinubu to invoke constitutional provisions where applicable and consider declaring a state of emergency in the state if the prevailing security situation warrants such action.

Among its demands, NAISP also called for increased deployment of security personnel to affected communities, the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks, and immediate humanitarian assistance for displaced residents.

The group further appealed for the provision of relief materials, medical support, and enhanced protection for internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently taking refuge in Otukpo and surrounding areas.

The statement reflects the position of NAISP and has not been independently verified. At the time of filing this report, the Benue State Government had not issued an official response to the association’s latest demands.