Suspected Herdsmen Attack Otukpo Community, Four Killed, Others Missing

Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have again attacked the Otobi Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, killing no fewer than four residents during a midnight assault.

According to information gathered, the attackers, who were said to be heavily armed, invaded the community at about 12.00 a.m. on Tuesday. Witnesses said the gunmen fired sporadically for several hours, creating fear and confusion as residents fled their homes to nearby bushes and safer locations.

The prolonged attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of four persons identified as Honorable Ochi Ayedu, Eje Uzu, Alinko, and Achibi. As of the time of filing this report, several other residents were still unaccounted for, raising concerns that the number of casualties could increase as search efforts continue.

Sources in the community said many homes were deserted during the attack, while families were separated as they ran for safety. Some residents were said to have sustained injuries, although the exact number could not be immediately confirmed.

This latest incident comes just months after a similar deadly attack on the same Otobi Akpa community. During that earlier assault, at least 13 people were reportedly killed, many others injured or declared missing, and more than 50 houses were razed, leaving scores of residents displaced.

Community members have expressed growing frustration over repeated attacks in the area and have called on security agencies, the Benue State Government, and the Federal Government to urgently intervene. Residents say the continued violence has disrupted farming activities, livelihoods, and daily life, forcing many to live in constant fear.