By Deborah Nnamdi
On Tuesday evening, suspected herdsmen launched a brutal assault on the Otobi Akpa community in Benue State, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people, with dozens still unaccounted for and over 50 homes set ablaze.
The attack began around 6:00 p.m. near the well-known Otobi junction, where more than 20 armed men, believed to be Fulani herdsmen, opened fire indiscriminately on residents.
Tragically, many of the local youth vigilantes who might have resisted the attackers had traveled to Adim village to attend a burial, leaving the town vulnerable.
The sound of gunfire sent residents fleeing in panic. While some managed to escape, others who tried to investigate the commotion encountered the assailants and were brutally killed. Several of the injured later died from their wounds in the hospital.
Reports indicate that 14 bodies have been recovered and deposited at the morgue, as more searches are being conducted.
Investigation reveals that suspected killer herdsmen carried out the act against Otobi Akpa and other Akpa communities because they refused open grazing.
One of the elder statesmen, Adikwu Ogbe, who lamented the recent attack, recalled that the Otobi Akpa community is one of the most peaceful communities in Idoma land. He noted that in the past, the community lived cordially with Fulani herders until recently.
About three weeks ago, a security guard at Otukpo dam was shot and dismembered by Fulani herdsmen who entered Otobi village and shot sporadically at night.
At the time of filing this report, no security operative was seen anywhere in Otobi. Many residents are moving out of the community while searching for persons whose whereabouts are unknown.
Benue Deputy Governor Samuel Ode visited earlier to sympathize with residents who are taking refuge at the Federal Government College, Otobi.
Mr Ode appealed to the people to remain calm as all measures are being put in place to end further attacks.
