By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Gunmen Storm Otukpo Community in Benue State, Kill 4, Many Missing
Nigeria has recorded another deadly security incident following a midnight attack on Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, where gunmen suspected to be herdsmen killed at least four residents and left several others unaccounted for.
The attackers reportedly struck around 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, invading the farming settlement and firing sporadically as terrified villagers fled into nearby bushes and farmlands to escape death.
Local sources said the assault lasted for several hours, during which houses were broken into and residents chased out of their homes.
Four people were confirmed dead in the attack. They were identified as Hon. Ochi Ayedu, Eje Uzu, Alinko and Achibi. Families of missing persons are still searching for their loved ones who ran in different directions during the confusion.
This latest violence is coming barely months after a similar deadly raid on the same Otobi-Akpa community, where no fewer than 13 people were killed, dozens sustained injuries and over 50 houses were set ablaze.
Benue State has remained one of Nigeria’s most volatile flashpoints in the protracted farmers-herders conflict, with repeated attacks recorded in Otukpo, Guma, Logo, Agatu and neighbouring communities.
Residents are now calling on the Nigerian government and security agencies to urgently deploy more personnel to the area to prevent further loss of lives and property.
Security authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
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