Suspected herdsmen killed 13, burnt 50 houses in Benue community

Suspected herdsmen on Tuesday evening descended heavily on Otobi Akpa community in Benue State, leaving 13 persons dead, scores missing and over 50 houses razed down.
The assault began around 6:00 p.m. at the busy Otobi Junction, where over 20 armed assailants opened fire indiscriminately. Most of the local youth vigilante group, who might have resisted the attack, were away attending a burial in nearby Adim village.
Panic gripped the community as the sound of gunfire sent residents fleeing. Some, unaware of the danger, ran toward the disturbance and were either killed or seriously injured. Survivors with critical wounds later succumbed in the hospital. Even mentally ill individuals reportedly fell victim to the massacre.
So far, 14 bodies have been recovered and taken to the morgue, while search efforts continue for the missing.
Investigations suggest the attack may be linked to the community’s resistance to open grazing. Elder statesman Adikwu Ogbe, while condemning the violence, described Otobi Akpa as one of the most peaceful communities in Idoma land and noted that relations with Fulani herders were cordial until recent years.
This tragedy follows a similar incident about three weeks ago, when a security guard at the Otukpo Dam was shot and dismembered by armed herders.
As of the time of this report, no security personnel were present in the area. Many residents are fleeing in search of safety and missing loved ones.
Benue State Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, visited victims taking refuge at the Federal Government College in Otobi. He urged calm and assured residents that measures are being taken to prevent further attacks.