HERDSMEN ATTACKS: ‘Don’t defend yourselves, govt will protect you’ — Benue Govt tells Idoma community

The Benue State Government has urged residents of Otukpo Nobi and other affected communities in Otukpo Local Government Area not to resort to self-defence despite the recent wave of deadly attacks by suspected armed herdsmen.

Deputy Governor Dr Sam Ode gave the assurance on Monday when he visited Otukpo Nobi alongside other government officials to assess the aftermath of the attack, which claimed scores of lives and left many others injured and displaced.

Addressing grieving residents, Ode acknowledged the growing frustration among community members but insisted that the responsibility of protecting lives and property rests with the government.

“There is only one option left for you people now, and that option is self-defence. Should we allow you to defend yourselves? No, because government is still government, and it has the responsibility to protect lives and property,” he said.

The deputy governor assured residents that the state government would intensify efforts to restore peace and improve security in the affected communities.

Meanwhile, suspected armed men launched another attack on Ondo Ugboju in Otukpo Local Government Area in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving one person dead and several others injured.

Police sources said the command received a distress report at about 6:10 a.m. that gunmen had invaded the community.

According to the report, Sunday Ogoh, the community’s youth chairman, was killed during the attack, while the Head of Ondo and several other injured victims were rushed to hospital for treatment.

The Benue State Police Command said tactical teams, senior police officers, members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, local vigilantes and other security agencies were immediately deployed to the area.

The police added that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the attack, noting that further developments would be communicated as investigations progress.

The latest assault comes barely days after deadly attacks on Akpachi and Otukpo Nobi, raising fresh concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Otukpo Local Government Area and renewed calls for stronger government action to protect vulnerable communities.