No fewer than 144 lives have been lost within 14 days as violent attacks by suspected herdsmen continue to plague Plateau and Benue States. The most recent assault occurred on Tuesday evening in Otobi Akpa, a quiet community in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, where at least 13 people were brutally killed, several others injured, and more than 50 homes were burnt to ashes.
According to reports from local sources, the attackers stormed the village around 6:00 p.m., firing indiscriminately at anyone in sight. Armed with guns and machetes, they left behind a trail of destruction. Eyewitnesses say the attack began near the Otobi junction and quickly spread across the area. Many villagers fled in panic, while others were caught in the gunfire.
A community elder, Adikwu Ogbe, described the horrifying scene: “Otobi Akpa community was one of the most peaceful communities in Idoma land.” He noted that relations with Fulani herders were once cordial, until recently when the herders began arming themselves and threatening locals.
The attackers allegedly acted in resistance to anti-open grazing laws. Prior to this latest massacre, other violent incidents had already claimed 40 lives across Gwer West, Gwer East, and other parts of Otukpo within the last two weeks. A bus ambush in Ikobi and separate killings in Mbasombo and other locations added to the growing toll.
At the time of this report, many residents were still missing, and families were searching desperately for loved ones. The community, now largely deserted, has turned into a ghost town. There was no visible security presence in the affected areas.
In Plateau State, 104 people were reported killed—52 each in Bassa and Bokkos LGAs—bringing the total death toll to 144. Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau announced a ban on night grazing, cattle movement by vehicle after 7:00 p.m., and motorcycle use between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. These new rules aim to stop further attacks.
In Adamawa State, Boko Haram insurgents also launched another assault on Hong Local Government Area. Seven people were killed during attacks on Banga and Larh communities. A vigilante member died after an explosive detonated, and several people are still missing. Locals reported that the terrorists came in large numbers and shot randomly, forcing people to flee into nearby bushes.
The attack marks the fourth such incident in the region this year. A police van was damaged during the chaos, although the officers escaped unharmed. “In the twinkle of an eye, the entire communities were deserted as people scampered in different directions for their lives,” said Ma’am Yakub, a resident.
Meanwhile, calls for urgent federal intervention have grown louder. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana noted that the failure to implement the 2021 grazing bans by both northern and southern governors has worsened the crisis. He urged President Bola Tinubu to act quickly and direct military forces to restore peace.
Labour Party’s Peter Obi also called on the president to return from his trip abroad and address the worsening insecurity, noting, “In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives.”
