Otukpo Massacre: David Mark Mourns, Demands Justice as Terror Strikes Benue Again

“Our People Are Not Pawns”—Ex-Senate President Says Attacks Are Systematic, Not Random

In the aftermath of another brutal night in Benue State, former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has decried the killing of at least 15 people in coordinated attacks across Otobi-Akpa and Emichi in Otukpo Local Government Area, and Utonkon in Ado LGA, describing the tragedy as a calculated war on innocent Nigerians.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night, has left communities shattered and families grieving, with eyewitnesses pointing fingers at armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.
Visibly shaken and outraged, Senator Mark said the time for platitudes is over. Through a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Paul Mumeh, he declared:
“Enough is enough. Our people are not pawns on a battlefield. These attacks are no longer isolated—they are systematic, coordinated, and deeply intentional. We must not stand idle while our communities are turned into killing fields.”
In a strong appeal for both community vigilance and security sector accountability, the former Senate President called on residents to urgently form well-organized vigilante networks to protect their lives and property. At the same time, he delivered a damning indictment of Nigeria’s security response:
“The time for half-measures is over. Security operatives must rise to the challenge. These killers must be hunted down and brought to justice. Anything less is complicity.”
Mark pointed out that the consistent pattern of these attacks betrays any claim of spontaneity.
“What we are witnessing is not random violence. It is a premeditated campaign of terror. Our people’s patience must not be mistaken for weakness.”
While urging peaceful coexistence, he made a clear distinction between accommodating lawful residents and tolerating violent invaders:
“We welcome strangers. We always have. But we must not close our eyes to those who come only to destroy.”
Despite his grief, Mark urged calm and cooperation with security forces currently deployed in the troubled areas. He extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, praying for comfort and the eternal rest of the departed.
The massacre adds to the growing number of deadly attacks that have plagued Benue State in recent years, further igniting calls for a total overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
As fear spreads and trust erodes, many are asking: how many more lives must be lost before justice is served?