Many feared killed in fresh herdsmen attack in Benue, 3 corpses recovered

Again, villagers in Otobi community in Akpa District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue state are currently on the run as herdsmen have reportedly besieged their community, attacking killing innocent citizens and burning houses.

Our correspondent gathered that three corpses have already been recovered from the scene as at the time of filing this report.

Locals from the area narrated that at about 5.30pm on Tuesday, the gunmen invaded the community killing an unspecified number of people, while many other residents have fled their homes.

The lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa State Constituency at the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Kennedy Angbo confirmed the development in Makurdi.

Angbo who hails from Akpa District, told newsmen on phone that unconfirmed number of persons have been killed while hundreds are presently fleeing the community.

Another resident of Otobi community, Edwin Emma who narrowly escaped being killed said many persons were feared dead.

He called on the federal and state government as well as security agents in the state to rise to their responsibility, saying the herders took the community unaware and launched the unprovoked attack on them.

“We are being attacked by herdsmen at Otobi community, my wife and children are fleeing from the community as I speak, please call for help,” he has said in a message.

Otobi, is the community hosting the federal ministry of Water Resources Multipurpose water dam.

The community has come under attack two times in the month of April as the security guard at the facility was killed 10 days ago.

Also chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri confirmed the development saying he has already directed some of his aides who are living in Otobi community and Akpa district to mobilize security personnel to the axis to bring the situation under control.

“Yes the attack by herders on Otobi community is confirmed. I am not around right now but this evening my aides called to inform me that Otobi community is under severe attack, and that the attack is still on going.

“However, I have directed my aides around that axis to mobilize security personnel on my behalf to the area. Therefore, as I speak with you, security agents have currently been drafted to the area. It is a herders attack. So far, I have not been told of any death yet but by tomorrow, I should be able to give you more details,” the Chairman said

He called on people of the community to remain law abiding and wait for the security agencies to do the needful.

Daily Sun