From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), has condemned the brutal 15 April 2025 attack on Otobi-Akpa, a community in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Abah led a delegation to the Och’Idoma’s palace and the village square, meeting His Royal Majesty Dr John Elaigwu and District Head Chief Pastor Wilson Ahola.
The attack, attributed to suspected herdsmen, killed over 10 people and destroyed homes worth millions of naira. Abah called it a “heinous act of barbarity and man’s inhumanity to man.” He expressed grief, noting FUHSO’s planned relocation to Akwete-Akpa is now overshadowed.
He asked, “What could possibly justify the slaughter of innocent, peace-loving people in their own homes?” Abah urged security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators and requested a police station in Otobi-Akpa to protect its strategic assets, including FUHSO, Federal Government College, and Otobi Dam.
At the palace, the Och’Idoma, mourning a pastor among the victims, said, “This is not just about Otobi Akpa; this is about the soul of our people, our heritage, and our future. We must speak with one voice and demand justice for our slain.” He noted Otobi-Akpa’s role as Otukpo’s water source and FUHSO’s host, stressing the need for sustainable security.
In the village square, Chief Ahola stated, “Our hearts are bleeding. We are in mourning, but we are not broken. We ask only for safety, for peace and justice.” FUHSO’s delegation included senior officials like Acting Registrar Michael Ogiji and Provost Rose Okwunu Abah.