Otobi killings: We must defend ourselves – Lawmaker Angbo backs armed community vigilantes

Hon. Kennedy Angbo, the member representing Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, has issued a strong call for the legal recognition and empowerment of community-based self-defense mechanisms in response to continued killings by suspected herders.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television in Abuja, Hon. Angbo reacted to the recent brutal attack on Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo LGA, where 11 people, including children and the elderly, were reportedly killed.

Describing the situation in Benue State as a “state of war,” Angbo condemned what he called a “systemic ethnic cleansing” and an “attempted annexation” of indigenous lands by violent non-state actors.

“The frequency and ferocity of these attacks have exposed the weakness of our current security architecture,” Angbo said. “Self-defense is no longer optional it has become inevitable.”

He emphasized that communities must not be left defenseless and urged the Benue State Government and National Assembly to provide legislative support that allows for the formal training, arming, and coordination of vigilante groups to protect lives and property.

“Security personnel cannot be everywhere at once. These attackers strike in coordinated waves, often from multiple flanks. It’s time we gave our communities the legal right and tools to defend themselves,” he asserted.

Angbo also revealed that a social media post, allegedly made by one Ahmed Bashir, had threatened violence against Otobi-Akpa days before the massacre a threat that tragically materialized.

“Despite clear warnings, adequate security deployment never happened. The result is what we’re now seeing yet another community plunged into mourning,” he said.

He concluded with a sobering appeal: “This is no time for political platitudes. We need bold legislative action and executive will. Either we make self-defense lawful, or we continue burying our people.”

The call by Hon. Angbo comes amid increasing public pressure on both state and federal authorities to rethink Nigeria’s security strategy, particularly in rural areas vulnerable to frequent herdsmen attacks.