Otukpo, Benue State – Tragedy struck the Otobi community in the Akpa district of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, on Tuesday evening, as suspected armed herdsmen launched a violent attack that left at least seven people dead. Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, while multiple homes were reportedly set ablaze.
The coordinated assault, which began around 5:30 p.m. on April 15, caused widespread panic, forcing residents to flee their homes in search of safety. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the community, shooting indiscriminately and destroying property in their path.
A member of the local security response team who was part of the rescue operation confirmed the death toll, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and provide aid to the injured and missing.
Kennedy Angbo, the lawmaker representing the Otukpo-Akpa Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, confirmed the attack in a phone interview with Channels Television. He noted that while seven deaths had been verified, the total number of casualties could rise as many residents remain unaccounted for.
“Hundreds of people have been displaced, and the atmosphere is one of fear and uncertainty. We are calling on both the state and federal governments to intervene urgently,” Angbo stated.
A resident of the community, Edwin Emma, issued a desperate plea for assistance. Speaking to local reporters, he said, “We are under siege. My wife and children are fleeing as we speak. Please, we need help immediately.”
Otobi, which is home to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources’ Multipurpose Dam project, has now suffered two attacks within the month of April alone. In a recent incident, a security guard stationed at the dam was reportedly killed by unidentified assailants.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
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This latest act of violence adds to a disturbing pattern of attacks in Nigeria’s North Central region. In neighbouring Plateau State, over 100 lives have been lost in the past two weeks following a series of brutal raids by suspected armed groups in the Bokkos and Bassa local government areas.
The escalating insecurity across both Benue and Plateau states underscores the urgent need for enhanced security presence, intelligence gathering, and conflict resolution mechanisms in the region.
