Seven people have been confirmed dead following an attack by suspected herdsmen, with several others injured and numerous homes set ablaze. According to an eyewitness who was part of a security response team dispatched to the area, the team is still searching the community for survivors and the wounded.
The assault began around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, as reported by Kennedy Angbo, the representative of Otukpo-Akpa Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly. Angbo, who is from the Akpa district, told Channels Television that the exact number of casualties remains unknown, but many residents have fled the area in fear.
Edwin Emma, a resident of Otobi, expressed alarm over the situation. Speaking from Benue, he revealed that several people were feared dead and pleaded for urgent intervention. “We are under attack in Otobi by herdsmen. My wife and children are currently fleeing. Please send help,” he said.
Otobi, which is home to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources’ Multipurpose Dam, has been targeted twice in April. In a previous incident, a security guard stationed at the dam was killed.
As of now, police authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Plateau State—also located in Nigeria’s North Central region—more than 100 individuals have lost their lives in the past two weeks due to violent attacks by armed groups in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas.
