Many feared killed as herders renew attacks on Benue community

Panic gripped residents of Otobi community in the Akpa district of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday evening as suspected armed herders launched a fresh attack, leaving several people feared dead and hundreds displaced.

A resident of the area, Edwin Emma, confirmed the assault in a distressed 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 attack, which he said began around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

In a phone conversation, Angbo disclosed that three corpses had already been recovered, with many more people feared killed.

“Right now, many people are feared dead, and hundreds have fled the community,” the lawmaker stated.

This marks the third reported attack on the Otobi community in the month of April alone, deepening fears among locals over growing insecurity in the area.

Attempts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer for an official response were unsuccessful, as her phone lines did not connect at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the incident to our correspondent in a telephone conversation from Abuja, where he is currently attending to post-election matters.

“Yes, the attack by herders on Otobi community is confirmed,” Ogiri said. “Though I am 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 added that, as of Tuesday evening, he had not received a full report of casualties but emphasised that security agents had already been deployed to the community.

“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 said.

He urged residents of Otobi to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that security agencies are working to contain the situation and restore peace.