Fresh details have emerged about the deadly midnight attack on Otobi-Akpa community in Otobi Ward, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to reports, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen stormed the community around midnight on Tuesday, firing sporadically for several hours and forcing residents to flee for safety. At least five people were killed in the assault.
Among the victims was Hon. Ochi Igbabe, the 2019 House of Assembly candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Also confirmed dead is Pastor Mrs. Menu Ojiji, who reportedly died from shock triggered by the heavy gunfire. Several residents were still missing at the time of filing this report.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the attack followed a failed kidnapping attempt on Sunday night at Ekwu-Ora’Odaba in Otobi. That earlier incident was reportedly foiled by community volunteer guards led by Ocheme Jackson, placing the area on heightened alert — yet the attackers still struck.
Residents have issued urgent calls for security intervention, warning that without swift action, further bloodshed may occur.
Reacting to the tragedy, a native of the area, Major Agbo, condemned what he described as the role of some content creators in deepening divisions through misinformation and political slander.
“The gulf created by misinformation provides opportunities for outside forces to exploit and kill our innocent people. Content creators should preach unity and peace, not division,” he said.
The community continues to mourn as fear and tension grip the area, with many calling for unity, accountability, and decisive security action to restore peace.
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