From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Villagers in Otobi community, Akpa District, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, are fleeing as suspected herdsmen have attacked, reportedly killing residents and burning houses.
As of this report, three corpses have been recovered. Locals said the gunmen invaded around 5:30 pm on Tuesday, killing an unconfirmed number of people, with many residents escaping.
Hon Kennedy Angbo, the lawmaker for Otukpo-Akpa Constituency, confirmed the attack, stating that an unspecified number of people were killed and hundreds are fleeing. Edwin Emma, a resident who narrowly escaped, said many are feared dead and urged federal and state governments, along with security agencies, to intervene.
“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 said in a message.
Otobi, home to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources’ multipurpose dam, was attacked 10 days ago, when a security guard was killed.
Otukpo LGA Chairman Maxwell Ogiri also confirmed the incident.
“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 ongoing,” he said.
“However, I have directed my aides around that axis to mobilise 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.”
Ogiri urged residents to remain law-abiding and allow security agencies to handle the situation.