Fear and panic have gripped Otobi, a village in Akpa District of Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State, following a deadly attack by suspected herdsmen. Residents are fleeing in large numbers after gunmen stormed the community late Tuesday afternoon, reportedly killing several people and setting houses on fire. As of the time of this report, three bodies have been recovered, though the number of casualties is expected to rise.
The attack, which happened around 5:30 pm, sent villagers scrambling for safety. Many took to the nearby bush paths with nothing but the clothes on their backs, while others sought refuge in neighboring communities. Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror, saying the attackers came suddenly and fired indiscriminately. One of the survivors, Edwin Emma, sent a desperate message for help, saying his wife and children were fleeing as he spoke. He expressed fear that many people might have lost their lives in the chaos.
Honourable Kennedy Angbo, who represents the Otukpo-Akpa Constituency, confirmed the incident and said the exact number of those killed was yet to be known. He revealed that hundreds of residents were now displaced, forced to abandon their homes and belongings. The lawmaker called for urgent action from both the state and federal governments as well as security agencies, to restore peace and protect the people.
This latest assault comes just ten days after a previous attack in the same community where a security guard was killed at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources’ multipurpose dam located in Otobi. This fresh wave of violence has left residents feeling vulnerable and abandoned.
Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the attack. Though he was not present at the time, his aides informed him that the situation was dire and unfolding. He said he had immediately directed local security personnel to move into the area to respond. While he could not confirm the total number of casualties as of Tuesday night, he promised to provide a fuller account by the following day. Ogiri urged the people to remain calm and law-abiding while security forces worked to contain the violence.
The situation remains tense, with many families scattered and unaccounted for. As the community mourns, there is growing frustration over the recurring violence and the slow pace of government intervention. Locals are pleading for swift and decisive action before more lives are lost.
