A fresh wave of violence has hit Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving at least four people dead and several others missing. The attack, which happened around midnight on Tuesday, has once again thrown the community into fear and mourning.
Residents said the gunmen, believed to be herdsmen, stormed the area around 12:00 a.m., shooting into the air and at homes. Many villagers fled into nearby bushes and farms to escape the gunfire. The attackers were said to be heavily armed and operated for several hours before leaving the area.
Those killed in the attack were identified as Hon. Ochi Ayedu, Eje Uzu, Alinko, and Achibi. Community members described the victims as well-known residents whose deaths have left a deep wound in the area. As of the time this report was filed, several people were still unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
A resident who escaped the attack said the sound of gunshots woke people from sleep. “We ran for our lives. Some people could not escape on time,” the resident said. Many families have since abandoned their homes and are taking shelter with relatives in nearby towns.
This is not the first time Otobi-Akpa community has come under attack. Just a few months ago, the same area witnessed a deadly assault in which at least 13 people were killed. During that earlier attack, many others were injured or declared missing, while more than 50 houses were burnt. That incident forced many residents to flee, and some have not returned since then.
Benue State has for years been one of the states worst hit by violent clashes linked to suspected herdsmen attacks. The state lies in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, where farming communities often clash with herders over land and grazing routes. These clashes have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands of people over the past decade.
Otukpo Local Government Area, like many parts of Benue, depends heavily on farming. Residents say repeated attacks have made it hard for them to go to their farms, leading to hunger and loss of income. Many farmers now fear going to their fields, especially during the planting and harvesting seasons.
The state government has often blamed the attacks on armed herdsmen who move with cattle across communities. In the past, Benue State introduced an anti-open grazing law to reduce clashes between farmers and herders. However, attacks have continued despite the law, raising questions about enforcement and security.
Security presence in rural communities remains a major concern. Residents of Otobi-Akpa said there were no security officers around at the time of the attack. They called on the federal and state governments to deploy more soldiers and police to protect vulnerable communities.
Local leaders have also appealed for urgent action. They warned that if nothing is done, more lives could be lost. According to them, repeated attacks are slowly emptying villages as people flee to safer areas.
The latest killings have added to growing anger and frustration among residents of Benue State. Many believe the government has not done enough to stop the violence. Civil society groups and community leaders have repeatedly called for better intelligence, quicker response from security agencies, and justice for victims.
In recent years, Benue has recorded several mass burials following attacks on rural communities. These events have drawn national attention and condemnation, but residents say the situation on the ground has not improved. Each new attack brings renewed fear and grief.
As families prepare to bury the dead, the mood in Otobi-Akpa remains tense. Many residents are unsure if it is safe to return to their homes. The presence of missing persons has also added to the pain, as families wait anxiously for news of their loved ones.