Ten people were killed and several others injured when suspected herdsmen attacked Akpa Otobi community in Otukpo Local Council, Benue State.
The assault, which began late Tuesday night and extended into the early hours of Wednesday, has deepened concerns over escalating insecurity in Benue and surrounding North Central states.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the death toll, adding that many of the wounded were receiving treatment in nearby health facilities.
“A total of 10 persons have been confirmed dead, and several others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Ogiri said. “This attack has thrown the entire community into mourning.”
A female resident, who narrowly escaped, recounted how the community was caught off guard. “Because of the hot weather, most of us were outside when we heard gunshots. People ran in all directions,” she said, asking not to be named for security reasons.
Police authorities also confirmed the attack. Spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, told The Guardian that she was on ground at the affected community with the Commissioner of Police.
Security forces have reportedly begun combing surrounding areas in search of the assailants, though no arrests had been made as of press time.
The latest incident comes amid rising insecurity across the North Central region, particularly in Plateau State, where similar attacks have led to calls for tougher government action.
READ ALSO: Fresh attack hits Otobi, casualties feared
The North Central Youth Council, NCYC, has issued a stern ultimatum to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, demanding he either “declares war on bandits” or resigns.
In a statement signed by its National President, Sunday Asuku, the council accused the Plateau State Government of gross incompetence and neglect in addressing recurring attacks on rural communities.
“The killings must stop. Communities cannot continue to bury their dead daily while those in charge issue empty reassurances,” Asuku stated.
The group also called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately overhaul the leadership of Operation Safe Haven, the joint security task force assigned to maintain peace in Plateau.
Also reacting to the crisis, the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, described the violence in Plateau as a “national disgrace” and a stark reminder of the Federal Government’s failure to protect lives.
NEF spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jika Jiddere, said the unchecked violence was unacceptable and warned that the government’s silence could be interpreted as complicity.
“It is unacceptable that such acts of mass murder and destruction continue unabated, with little or no meaningful response from those charged with safeguarding the nation,” he stated.
NEF demanded a massive deployment of well-equipped security forces to the state, alongside immediate prosecution of perpetrators and adequate compensation for victims.
“The blood of innocent Nigerians cries out for justice. The government must act now and show that there is no sanctuary for those who sponsor or enable these atrocities,” Jiddere added.
As the carnage continues, residents across Benue and Plateau states live in fear, uncertain of what the next day might bring.
Crediblenewsng.com
