Suspected herdsmen have carried out another deadly assault on Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving at least four people dead.
Reports indicate that the attackers, who were heavily armed, stormed the community at about midnight on Tuesday, firing shots indiscriminately and sending residents running for safety.
The violent invasion reportedly lasted for several hours. Those confirmed killed include Hon. Ochi Ayedu, Eje Uzu, Alinko, and Achibi. As of the time of this report, several residents are still missing, raising fears that the casualty figure could rise.
The latest attack comes only months after Otobi-Akpa suffered a similar tragedy, when gunmen killed no fewer than 13 people, injured many others, and destroyed over 50 homes. Among the victims of that earlier incident were Hon. Ochi Igbabe, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the State House of Assembly in 2019, and Pastor Mrs. Menu Ojiji, who reportedly died from shock during the attack.
Eyewitnesses said the Tuesday morning assault followed a failed kidnapping attempt on Sunday night at Ekwu-Ora’Odaba in Otobi. The abduction was reportedly thwarted by local volunteer guards led by Ocheme Jackson.
In recent weeks, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorist-related attacks, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on security.
The recurring violence in Benue State has once again raised concerns over the government’s ability to curb long-standing insecurity in the region.
Why do you think the killings in Benue have persisted for years despite repeated interventions? Share your views in the comments.
