Renewed Attack on Benue’s Otobi Community Leaves Many Feared Dead

Residents of Otobi community in Akpa district, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, were thrown into panic on Tuesday evening as suspected armed herders launched another attack. The assault reportedly left several people feared dead and displaced hundreds.

A local resident, Edwin Emma, confirmed the incident in a distressed phone call to journalists. “We are being attacked by herdsmen at Otobi community. My wife and children are fleeing as I speak. Please call for help,” he pleaded.

Kennedy Angbo, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, also confirmed the attack, which began around 5:30 p.m. He revealed that three corpses had been recovered while many more were feared killed. “Right now, many people are feared dead, and hundreds have fled the community,” Angbo stated.

This marks the third attack on Otobi this April, heightening concerns over escalating insecurity in the area. Efforts to contact the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer for an official response were unsuccessful as her phone lines did not connect.

Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, who is currently in Abuja for post-election matters, also confirmed the attack. “Yes, the attack by herders on Otobi community is confirmed,” he said. Ogiri added that he had directed aides to mobilize security personnel to control the situation but had yet to receive a full report on casualties. “I’ve been informed that the attack is ongoing. While I’ve not received confirmation of deaths yet, I expect clearer details by tomorrow,” he noted.

Ogiri urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding as security agencies work to restore peace.