Tension and fear swept through Otobi community in Akpa district, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday evening, following a renewed attack by suspected armed herders.
The assault reportedly left several people feared dead and forced hundreds to flee their homes.
A resident, Edwin Emma, raised the alarm in a phone call to journalists, describing the chaos as his family fled for safety.
“We are being attacked by herdsmen at Otobi community.
My wife and children are fleeing as I speak. Please call for help,” he pleaded.
Kennedy Angbo, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa in the Benue State House of Assembly, confirmed the incident, stating that the attack began around 5:30 p.m.
He reported that at least three bodies had been recovered, and many more casualties were likely.
“This is the third attack on Otobi community just this April,” Angbo said, expressing deep concern over the escalating insecurity in the area.
Efforts to contact the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls to her phone went unanswered.
However, Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack from Abuja, where he is attending to post-election matters.
“Yes, the attack by herders on Otobi community is confirmed.
I’ve instructed my aides in the district to coordinate with security agencies to respond immediately,” he said.
Ogiri added that while he had not received a full report on the casualties as of Tuesday evening, security personnel had been deployed.
“The attack is still ongoing. I expect more detailed updates by tomorrow,” he noted.
He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that steps are being taken to restore peace to the community.