A resident has been killed following a fresh attack by suspected armed herders on a community in the Ogboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, forced residents to flee to the neighbouring Oyangede community as the gunmen reportedly opened fire indiscriminately after invading the village.
A resident, who identified himself simply as Sunny, said the attackers stormed the community at about 6 a.m., causing panic among villagers.
“The herders invaded our community around 6 a.m. and started shooting. People ran to Oyangede for safety, but our youths pursued them and prevented them from causing more damage. Unfortunately, one person was killed,” he said.
According to him, local youths quickly mobilised and confronted the attackers, forcing them to retreat and averting further casualties and destruction.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Mr Maxwell Ogiri, said security operatives responded promptly to distress calls and helped contain the attack.
Ogiri said although one resident lost his life, the attackers were repelled by security personnel and local defenders.
“The situation is now calm because security agencies responded immediately. They are combing the forest in search of the bandits,” he said.
The council chairman added that a joint team of security agencies had launched a manhunt in nearby forests to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.
The latest incident occurred barely two days after another deadly attack on Otukpo Nobi community in the same local government area.
While residents claimed that 16 people were killed in Sunday’s attack, the police confirmed eight deaths and five injuries. The recurring attacks have heightened concerns over security in parts of Benue State, where communities continue to face threats from armed groups.
