New details have emerged following a deadly attack by suspected herdsmen in Otobi-Akpa, Otobi Ward, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The assailants reportedly stormed the community around midnight, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee. The hours-long assault claimed the lives of five people, including Hon. Ochi Igbabe, the 2019 PDP State House of Assembly candidate, and Pastor Mrs. Menu Ojiji, who reportedly died from shock caused by the gunfire.
Several residents remain missing as of this report. Eyewitnesses said the attack followed a failed kidnapping attempt on Sunday night at Ekwu-Ora’Odaba in Otobi, which was thwarted by community volunteer guards led by Ocheme Jackson.
Despite heightened security in the area, the attackers were still able to carry out the raid, prompting calls from residents for authorities to take decisive action to prevent further violence.
Reacting to the incident, Major Agbo, a native of the community, condemned some content creators for fueling divisions through misinformation. He said:
“Idoma content creators who spread slander and false narratives against political leaders deepen divisions among the people. Such actions create gaps that outsiders exploit to harm our vulnerable citizens. Use your platforms to promote unity and peace, not to sow discord.”
Agbo added that the community still struggles to balance political engagement with collective action against common threats, leaving them exposed to violence.
The attack comes amid a surge in crime, kidnapping, and terrorism across Nigeria, a situation that recently led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on security.
What do you think can be done to stop the persistent killings in Benue State? Share your thoughts in the comments.
