Suspected herdsmen have launched another deadly attack in Benue State, resulting in the killing of a security guard near the Otobi Dam in Otukpo Local Government Area. The incident reportedly occurred late Friday night and adds to a rising number of violent events in the region.
The attack was confirmed by Angbo Kennedy, the lawmaker representing Otukpo/Akpa in the Benue State House of Assembly. He noted that the repeated violence in the area is becoming overwhelming and called for swift community action in response. “This is becoming too much, a guard was killed this evening at the Otobi dam by herdsmen. Please let’s watch out for each other. We must resort to self help,” he said.
So far, the identity of the guard has not been made public, and authorities have not made any arrests linked to the killing. The lack of arrests and continued violence have left many residents fearful for their safety and frustrated with the current security situation.
The Otobi Dam is considered a vital infrastructure for the local community, and attacks around such strategic locations have raised concerns among residents and officials alike. Locals are urging the Benue State Government and national security agencies to increase patrols in rural areas, particularly near sensitive sites like dams and transportation routes.
This killing follows a disturbing pattern of similar incidents in nearby communities, including Okpomaju, Okete, and Asa—areas that have also experienced loss of life and mass displacement in recent months. These villages have faced waves of violence that have forced several families to abandon their homes.
Just a day before this latest attack, armed men hijacked a fully loaded commercial vehicle operated by Benue Links. The attack resulted in two deaths, and 13 passengers were kidnapped, adding to the growing tension in the state.
