Fear Grips Benue residents as girl’s mutilated body found near rice mill
Residents of Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State have been thrown into panic after the decomposing body of a young girl was discovered inside a roadside culvert close to the Otukpo Rice Mill.
Eyewitnesses said the body, which appeared to have been dumped several days earlier, was found with some organs missing, raising suspicions of ritual activity in the area.
A local citizen journalist, who identified himself as Ebony Naija, described the discovery as both “disturbing and dangerous” to the community’s health.
“The corpse has been lying here for days, possibly up to five,” he said. “I alerted the Divisional Police Officer, and an officer was sent to inspect the scene.
“The local government chairman was also informed and sent health officials, but the body still hasn’t been removed. The stench is unbearable and poses a serious health risk.”
According to witnesses, the body was found directly in front of the rice mill, a location frequently used by traders and passersby.
The gruesome sight has left many residents terrified, especially since the victim’s identity remains unknown.
“People are now scared to walk around that area after dark,” a local trader told correspondents. “We’ve never experienced something like this before. It’s heartbreaking and frightening at the same time.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement, and no arrests had been made.
However, residents have called on security agencies to launch a full-scale investigation to uncover those responsible.
Community members are also urging authorities to promptly evacuate the remains to prevent further environmental hazards and to restore calm in the affected area.