Otobi-Akpa killings: FUHSO decries brutal attacks on host community

The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), has strongly condemned the recent brutal killings in Otobi-Akpa community, located in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. Otobi-Akpa, which hosts the university’s permanent site, was violently attacked by suspected herdsmen.

In a show of solidarity, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of FUHSO, Professor Stephen Abah, led a high-powered delegation to the palace of the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty John Elaigwu, and to the village square of the affected community. There, they met with the District Head, Chief Pastor Wilson Ahola.

Professor Abah described the massacre as “a heinous act of barbarity and man’s inhumanity to man,” expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. This incident, which occurred at a time when FUHSO was preparing to relocate to its permanent site in Akwete-Akpa, has overshadowed the university’s moment of progress with grief and loss.

“What could possibly justify the slaughter of innocent, peace-loving people in their own homes?” Abah asked, visibly shaken by the brutality.

He further emphasized that Otobi-Akpa, a community that is home to both the university and the Federal Government College, as well as the strategic Otobi Dam, “deserves protection, not persecution.” He described the violence as beyond comprehension and called for swift action from security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.

Abah also made a public appeal to the Nigerian Police Force, urging the establishment of a permanent police station in the Otobi-Akpa axis to safeguard this crucial federal area and prevent future attacks.

During the visit to the Och’Idoma’s palace, Abah conveyed FUHSO’s heartfelt condolences to the Idoma monarch. The emotional king shared that one of the victims was his personal pastor, and he called on all Idoma people, both at home and abroad, to unite in demanding justice for the slain.

“This is not just about Otobi-Akpa,” the monarch stated. “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.”

The Och’Idoma also stressed the strategic importance of Otobi-Akpa, not only as Otukpo’s primary water source but also as the proud home of Nigeria’s first Federal University of Health Sciences. He highlighted the urgent need for a lasting security framework in the region.

The FUHSO delegation included senior university officials such as Acting Registrar Mr. Michael Ogiji; University Librarian Dr. Kathryn Philip; Provost of the College of Medicine Professor Rose Okwunu Abah; Director of Academic Planning and Control Professor Edache Sylvanus Okpe; Director of the Institute of Global Health and Health Security Professor Onyemocho Audu; Chief Security Officer Mr. Michael Anebi; and Head of Protocol Mr. Francis Onmoke.