OTUKPO, Benue State – Panic don take over Otobi community for Otukpo Local Government Area as suspected armed herders launch fresh attack on Tuesday evening, leaving many people dead and hundreds displaced.
According to eyewitness reports, the attack begin around 5:30 p.m. Eyewitness Edwin Emma call journalists in distress say, “We are being attacked by herdsmen at Otobi community. My wife and children are fleeing as I speak. Please call for help.” This incident marks the third attack within April, raising serious concerns over security for residents.
Lawmaker Kennedy Angbo, wey represent Otukpo-Akpa constituency, confirm say three corpses don dey recovered already, but the number of dead fit reach more. He emphasize say, “Right now, many people are feared dead, and hundreds have fled the community,” as the community grapples with the ongoing violence.
The attack don spread fear among the people, making many residents run away for safety. Alechenu, one resident wey spoke to our correspondent, explain say herders invade as people dey return from farm, start to dey shoot anybody wey dey sight and burn houses.
Another eyewitness, Elaigwu Idoko, wey participate for the search operation for missing persons, indicate say seven corpses don dey recovered as dem try to comb the area for more bodies.
As the situation unfold, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, wey dey Abuja on post-election matters, confirm the attack, say e don direct security personnel to the community to help restore calm. He noted say while he no get full report of casualties, e dey expect clearer details soon.
Ogiri urge residents to remain calm while security agencies dey mobilize to tackle the ongoing violence and reassure them of their safety. Meanwhile, attempts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, for an official comment were unsuccessful due to issues connecting her phone.
For the community as dem dey battle constant attacks, concerns don dey rise about their security and safety, making many call for government intervention to restore peace in the area.
