Panic gripped residents of Otobi community in the Akpa district of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, on Tuesday evening following a brutal assault believed to be carried out by suspected armed herders. The attackers reportedly stormed the area around 5:30 p.m., forcing many villagers to flee into nearby bushes and neighboring communities for safety.
One of the locals, Edwin Emma, raised the alarm during a phone call to journalists. His voice filled with fear, he said, “We are being attacked by herdsmen at Otobi community. My wife and children are fleeing as I speak. Please call for help.”
Kennedy Angbo, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa in the Benue State House of Assembly, also confirmed the attack. He noted that at least three bodies had been found shortly after the attack began and warned that the number of deaths could rise. “Right now, many people are feared dead, and hundreds have fled the community,” he said.
According to local sources, this is the third time Otobi has come under attack in April alone, worsening concerns over rising insecurity in the region. Survivors of the earlier attacks were still trying to recover when this latest incident occurred.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the incident in a phone call with PUNCH, where he is attending to post-election matters. “Yes, the attack by herders on Otobi community is confirmed,” he 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 noted that he had not yet received a full account of the casualties but mentioned that security agents had been sent 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 explained.
He urged residents to stay calm and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them that the situation was being managed and peace efforts were underway.
