Benue Bleeds Again: Suspected Herders Kill Resident In Fresh Otukpo Attack

A resident has been killed following a fresh attack by suspected armed herders on Ondo community in the Ogboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, deepening concerns over renewed violence in the area.

The early morning attack, which occurred on Tuesday, forced frightened residents to flee to the neighbouring Oyangede community as the gunmen reportedly fired indiscriminately after invading the village.

Residents said the attackers stormed the community at about 6:00 a.m, triggering panic as people scrambled for safety.

A resident, who identified himself simply as Sunny, said local youths quickly mobilised and confronted the attackers, preventing what could have been a more devastating assault.

According to him, although the youths succeeded in forcing the gunmen to retreat, one resident was killed during the attack.

"The herders invaded our community around 6 a.m and started shooting. People ran to Oyangede for safety, but our youths pursued them, stopping them from causing more damage. Unfortunately, one person was killed," he said.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, said security operatives responded promptly to the attack, helping to restore calm in the affected community.

Ogiri disclosed that while one resident lost his life, the attackers were repelled before they could inflict further casualties.

He added that a joint security team has launched an operation in nearby forests to track down the fleeing suspects.

"The situation is now calm because security agencies responded immediately. They are combing the forest in search of the bandits," the council chairman said.

Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment.

The latest attack comes barely two days after another deadly assault on Otukpo Nobi, also in Otukpo Local Government Area.

While residents claimed that 16 people were killed during Sunday's attack, the Benue State Police Command officially confirmed eight deaths and said five other persons sustained injuries.

The renewed violence has heightened fears among residents of Otukpo and surrounding communities, who have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to halt persistent attacks by armed groups operating across parts of Benue State.