Suspected herdsmen reportedly launched another deadly attack in Otobi community, the Akpa district of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State.
Seven people were confirmed dead, several others were injured, and multiple houses were set on fire during the attack on Tuesday evening.
An eyewitness, who joined a security team responding to the incident, confirmed the death toll and said efforts were still ongoing to locate injured residents scattered across the area.
According to Channels TV, Kennedy Angbo, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa in the Benue State House of Assembly, said the violence started around 5:30 p.m.
He said the full number of casualties is still unclear, but many villagers have already fled their homes in fear.
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A local resident, Edwin Emma, told reporters that the situation was dire, appealing for urgent help from the government and security agencies.
“We are being attacked by herdsmen at Otobi community, my wife and children are fleeing from the community as I speak, please call for help,” the frightened resident said.
This isn’t the first time Otobi has come under threat.
Just days ago, a security guard at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources’ Multipurpose Dam in the community was killed, marking the second attack in April alone.
At the time of filing this report, the police have not released an official statement on the incident.
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Meanwhile, over 100 people have also been killed in Plateau state within the past two weeks following a series of violent raids on communities in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas.
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