Panic swept through Otobi community in the Akpa district of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, on Tuesday evening following a renewed attack by suspected armed herders. The assault, which left several people feared dead and hundreds displaced, marks the third such incident in the area within April alone.
A distressed resident, Edwin Emma, confirmed the attack during a phone call to journalists.
“We are being attacked by herdsmen at Otobi community. My wife and children are fleeing as I speak. Please call for help,” he said.
The lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Kennedy Angbo, also confirmed the incident. He revealed that the attack began around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
“Right now, many people are feared dead, and hundreds have fled the community,” Angbo said, adding that three corpses had already been recovered.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the incident in a phone conversation from Abuja, where he is attending to post-election matters.
“Yes, the attack by herders on Otobi community is confirmed,” Ogiri stated. “Though I’m currently in Abuja, I have directed my aides in Otobi and Akpa district to mobilise security personnel to the affected area to bring the situation under control.”
Ogiri noted that he had not yet received a comprehensive casualty report as of Tuesday evening.
“I’ve been informed that the attack is ongoing. While I’ve not received confirmation of deaths yet, I expect to have clearer details by tomorrow,” he added.
He urged residents of Otobi to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that security agencies were already deployed to contain the situation and restore peace.
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer for an official statement were unsuccessful, as her phone lines did not connect at the time of filing this report.
The attack has further heightened fears over escalating insecurity in the region, with residents expressing growing concern for their safety.
