- Suspected herdsmen attack Otobi-Akpa community in Benue
- PDP House of Assembly candidate among the victims
- Female pastor reportedly died from shock
- Residents demand stronger security response
Fresh details have emerged from the deadly assault carried out by suspected herdsmen in Otobi-Akpa, Otobi Ward, in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community around midnight, firing gunshots indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee their homes in fear. The attack, which lasted for several hours, claimed the lives of five people, according to local sources.
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Among those killed were Hon. Ochi Igbabe, the 2019 PDP candidate for the Benue State House of Assembly, and Pastor Mrs. Menu Ojiji, who residents said collapsed and died after suffering shock from the gunfire.
Several other residents were still missing as of the time this report was filed, raising fears that the casualty figure could rise.
Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred just days after a kidnapping attempt on Sunday night at Ekwu-Ora’Odaba in Otobi, which was reportedly foiled by local volunteer guards led by Ocheme Jackson. The incident had put the area on high alert, yet the attackers were still able to strike.
Community members have since called on security agencies to urgently intervene to prevent further bloodshed.
Reacting to the incident, a native of the area, Major Agbo, condemned what he described as the role of divisive rhetoric in worsening insecurity.
“The careless spread of misinformation and slander divides our people and creates room for outsiders to exploit and kill innocent residents,” he said.
“Content creators should use their platforms to promote unity and peace, not deepen divisions that weaken our collective security.”
Residents say insecurity, kidnapping and violent attacks have increased in the area in recent weeks, reflecting a broader security challenge across the country.
The latest killings come amid growing national concern over rising violence, a situation that recently prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency.
