From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Suspected herdsmen are currently attacking Otobi community in Akpa district of Otukpo local government area of Benue state.
Our correspondent gathered that the attack which started at about 5.30pm on Tuesday, is presently ongoing and has resulted to the killing of unspecified numbers of people, while many other residents have fled the area.
The lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa state constituency at the Benue State House of Assembly, Kennedy Angbo confirmed the development to our correspondent in Makurdi.
Angbo who hails from Akpa district, told our correspondent on phone that unconfirmed number of persons have been killed while hundreds are presently fleeing the community.
Another resident of Otobi Community, Edwin Emma who narrowly escaped from being killed , said many persons were feared killed.
Emma therefore called for help from government and security forces, saying that the herders took the community unaware and launched the unprovoked attack.
“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”.
Otobi, is the community hosting the federal ministry of Water Resources Multipurpose water Dam
The community has come under attack twice in the month of April as the security guard at the facility was killed ten days ago.
The executive chairman of Otukpo local government council, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the development to our correspondent on phone in Makurdi.
He said already, he has directed some of his aides who are living in Otobi community and Akpa district to mobilize security personnel to the axis to bring the situation under control.
“Yes the attack by herders on Otobi community is confirmed. I am not around now. I am in Abuja and after the local government election tribunal judgement yesterday, I decided to stay back and put things together to file appeal.
“So, this evening my aides called to inform me that Otobi community is under severe attack, and that the attack is still on going.
“However, I have directed my aides around the axis to mobilize security personnel on my behalf to the area. Therefore, as I speak with you, security agents have currently been drafted to the area.
“Since I am not on ground, I am yet to get full reports of the attack. But it is a herders attack. So far, I have not been told of any death yet but by tomorrow, I should be able to give you more details”, Ogiri stated.
He called on people of the community to remain law abiding and wait for the security agencies to do the needful.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Police Command, CSP Catherine Anene were mot successful as she did respond to calls and the text messages sent to her phone.
