The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has confirmed the arrest of three suspected herdsmen in connection with the deadly attack on Otobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area. The assault, which occurred on Tuesday night, has claimed the lives of at least 11 residents, with several others injured and receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Government House in Makurdi on Wednesday, Governor Alia condemned the renewed wave of violence in the state and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. He also disclosed that the National Security Adviser has pledged to deploy more security personnel and assets to the region, especially around the Otukpo axis, to curb the growing insecurity.
“This fresh attack on the peace-loving people of Otobi is unacceptable. We will not allow this kind of bloodshed to continue. I commend the swift action by security agencies, which led to the arrest of three suspects. But more must be done. All those involved in these killings must be tracked down and prosecuted,” the governor said.
Initial reports from the community stated that nine people were killed during the overnight attack. However, the death toll increased as more bodies were discovered in hard-to-reach areas of the village.
The member representing Otukpo-Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Kennedy Angbo, confirmed the updated figure on Wednesday.
“On Tuesday night, nine corpses were recovered, and one more was discovered on Wednesday morning in a part of the community that was not immediately accessible. Another body was later found, bringing the total number of deaths to 11,” Angbo told journalists.
He added that several residents who sustained injuries were being treated at hospitals in Otukpo town and called for urgent medical support from government authorities.
Following the attack, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barrister Sam Ode, visited Otobi on behalf of Governor Alia to sympathize with the victims and assess the level of damage. During the visit, he reassured the community of the government’s determination to restore peace and security.
“The governor has directed me to be here personally to see the extent of the attack and assure you that this government will not sit back while our people are being killed. We are committed to ending this menace,” Ode stated.
He made cash donations to support affected families and instructed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to carry out a needs assessment and deliver emergency relief to the victims.
SEMA officials are expected to arrive in the area with food supplies, medical items, and other essentials to assist displaced families and those injured in the attack.
Residents of Otobi and surrounding communities have expressed growing fear over what they describe as sustained and coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen along the Otukpo-Ado road, a key route that links Benue to neighbouring Ebonyi State.
According to locals, the attacks began in nearby communities such as Okpamaju, Asa One, and Asa Two, before spreading to Otobi. Many villagers say there has been no known history of clashes or disputes with herders in the area, making the sudden wave of violence even more troubling.
“These are peaceful communities. We’ve never had issues with herdsmen before. Now, they are coming into our villages, killing people, and burning homes. We are living in fear every day,” said one resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Another villager added, “We are pleading with the government — both federal and state — to intervene urgently. These people are not just herdsmen; they are terrorists, and they are attacking innocent farmers and families.”
Community leaders and civil society groups have called on the federal government to treat the recent killings in Benue as acts of terrorism and to deploy military intervention where necessary. Many have also urged security agencies to act swiftly in flushing out criminal elements hiding in forests and remote areas.
Benue State, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has in recent years suffered several deadly clashes between herdsmen and farming communities. The conflict, often over land and grazing rights, has escalated in frequency and brutality, leading to massive displacement and loss of lives.
Although the state government has enacted anti-open grazing laws to curb the crisis, enforcement remains a challenge, especially in rural areas.
Tuesday night’s attack on Otobi fits into a broader pattern of insecurity that has affected many parts of the Middle Belt region. Similar incidents have been reported in Guma, Logo, Gwer West, and other local governments in Benue State.
Security analysts warn that if not urgently addressed, the violence could escalate further, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
According to a 2024 report by the International Crisis Group, over 2,000 people have died in communal and herder-farmer-related violence in Nigeria in the past three years, with Benue accounting for a significant portion of the casualties.
As investigations continue into the latest killings, Governor Alia has appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.
He also reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting all communities and ensuring that justice is served.
“Benue people are peaceful, hardworking Nigerians. They deserve to live without fear. We will continue to work with the federal government, security agencies, and community leaders to ensure lasting peace in our state,” the governor said.
With the 2025 farming season around the corner, many residents fear returning to their farmlands due to rising insecurity. Leaders say restoring confidence in rural communities is key to food security and economic stability in the state.
