Panic as suspected herdsmen attack Otobi-Akpa community in Benue

Panic has gripped the Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State following a fresh attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Tuesday evening.

Several residents are feared dead while many houses were set ablaze during the assault, which began around 6:00 p.m.

A local resident who spoke with citizen reporter, Meddy Olotu, on condition of anonymity described how the attackers stormed the village, shooting indiscriminately and torching properties.

He said, “As I speak to you right now, Otobi Apa is under attack. These herdsmen, they have taken over Otobi Akpaa. Please and please and please, we are calling on all security agencies right now. Swing into action. No sleeping.

“Please, everybody should be at alert right now. Even Otukpo guys, be at alert. Otobi Akpa is under attack. I just got this information. Everybody are running.

“Everybody are running. Elder and children, they are burning houses. They are killing people. They are killing people. I just spoke to this girl now.”

“They have been shooting and killing people since 6 p.m. As we speak, our house and several others have been burnt down. We are helpless,” the resident said.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties had not been confirmed, as frightened villagers continued to flee into surrounding areas for safety.

Local authorities and security agencies were yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

Benue State has experienced repeated clashes between suspected herdsmen and farming communities in recent years, with attacks often leading to loss of lives and displacement of residents.