Otobi-Akpa killings: “They Told Us to prepare for war” – Benue Lawmaker, Angbo

The lawmaker representing Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Angbo Kennedy, has made a shocking revelation following Tuesday’s attack on Otobi-Akpa community, where about 11 people were killed by suspected herders.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Morning Brief, Angbo claimed that a certain Ahmed Bashir had informed the natives of Akpa, including the Akweya people, to prepare for war.

He said, “The last two weeks, particularly in Otukpo, Assa II, and Assa III, have been marked by news of killings involving some of our constituents,” Angbo said.

“Just last night, between 5:30 PM and around 7:00-8:00 PM, herders invaded the Otobu community, shooting at people from different directions and attacking in various groups.”

He added that this attack followed a similar incident about ten days ago, when a security guard was shot at Otobi Dam, which houses the Federal Ministry of Works and Water Resources Dam.

“Otukpo has witnessed a surge in attacks by herders targeting farmers,” Angbo explained.

“Yesterday’s attack was the climax of this series. But prior to this, one Ahmed Bashir had threatened on his social media that his Akweya enemies should prepare for war.”

Angbo described the situation in Benue, particularly in Otukpo, as a war, an attempt to annex the land.

“I have heard credible reports from Fulani people living in Otukpo who have been running businesses in the area, saying that criminal elements among the Fulani herders are involved in rustling cows and creating chaos. These actions are unfairly tarnishing the reputation of the Fulani community.”

He stressed that these reports were not based on suspicion or claims but were facts confirmed by Fulani people themselves.

“These criminal elements are coming from Nasarawa and other surrounding areas,” he stated.

“It’s clear that Benue is at war. The herders are coming to take our lands, kill our people, drive us from our farmlands, and feed our crops to their cattle.”