Five dead, 25 kidnapped as gunmen declare war on Idoma communities

 Gunmen have declared what residents describe as an open war on Benue South, following a wave of coordinated attacks that resulted in the abduction of at least 25 people within 48 hours and the killing of several others across different parts of the senatorial district.

The attacks, which occurred on major highways, at a place of worship, and in rural communities, have heightened fear among residents and raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the area.

In one incident, passengers travelling along a Benue highway were ambushed, leading to the abduction of several commuters. Barely days later, armed men stormed a church vigil, seizing worshippers in another daring operation.

Confirming the kidnappings, the Benue State Police Command said it was aware of the incidents and had deployed tactical teams to track down the perpetrators.

“We are on top of the situation. Our operatives are working tirelessly to rescue the victims and bring the criminals to justice,” a police spokesperson said.

However, security assurances have done little to calm public anger, as residents and stakeholders accuse authorities of failing to adequately protect lives and property.

Five Killed in Fresh Otukpo Attack

As kidnappings escalated, suspected armed herders also killed at least five persons in a renewed attack on Tuutuu community in Entekpa Ward of Adoka, Otukpo Local Government Area.

The ward head of Entekpa, Mr. Oliver Inalegwu, who disclosed the incident to journalists, said the community had been largely deserted following the deadly assault.

Confirming the attack, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Mr. Maxwell Ogri, described it as well-coordinated and premeditated, alleging that the attackers used cattle movement as a decoy before launching the assault.

“I just returned from the community. What happened was that there was information that some strangers had entered the village,” Ogri said.

*“After some time, it was discovered that the movement of cattle was merely a decoy to divert attention. While the cows were coming from one direction, the attackers approached from another.

They had already positioned themselves on trees, waiting for the right moment to strike. They caused extensive damage, and instantly, five persons were killed.”

Ogri added that several residents sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to different hospitals for treatment. He said the local government had mobilised the state-backed Civil Protection Guard to the area to support military personnel already deployed, noting that the attack had worsened the humanitarian situation in the community.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to receive a formal report on the incident.

“I have yet to get a report from Otukpo on the incident. I will get back to you once I have the details,” she said, as of the time of filing this report.

Adejoh: Total Security Failure

Reacting to the spate of attacks, security analyst and public affairs commentator, Dr. Peter Adejoh, described the situation as evidence of total security failure in Benue South.

“When gunmen can abduct people on highways, invade churches within 48 hours, and armed attackers can massacre communities without resistance, it clearly shows a collapse of the security architecture in Benue South,” Adejoh said.

Residents are now calling on the state and federal governments to urgently strengthen security operations, warning that continued inaction could further embolden criminal elements.

Otukpo and neighbouring local government areas have witnessed repeated violent attacks in recent times. Between January 11 and 13, suspected armed herders reportedly attacked Otobi Akpa community, killing five persons, while a fully loaded bus was also attacked on the outskirts of Otukpo township, leaving three passengers dead.

As of press time, no arrests had been announced, while families of the abducted victims and affected communities continue to live in fear and uncertainty.