At least five people were killed in the early hours of Tuesday when gunmen attacked Otobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, in one of the latest deadly assaults linked to rising insecurity in the area. Among the victims was Igbabe Ochi, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Otukpo-Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly election.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community in the pre-dawn hours, opening fire on residents and causing panic as people fled for safety. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived suddenly and shot indiscriminately before escaping into nearby bushes.
Residents disclosed that the victims were caught unawares while at a popular spot within the community, making it difficult for them to escape the onslaught. Several others reportedly sustained injuries, though the exact number of those wounded could not be independently confirmed at the time of filing this report.
The killing of Igbabe Ochi has sent shockwaves across Otukpo and surrounding communities, given his prominence in local politics and community affairs. He was described by associates as an active grassroots politician and advocate for peace in the area.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents recorded in parts of Benue State, particularly in rural communities that have repeatedly complained of poor security presence and slow response to distress calls.
Community leaders in Otobi said residents have lived in fear following repeated attacks in recent months, with many families abandoning their homes at night or relocating entirely to safer areas within the local government.
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As of the time of this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. However, security operatives were said to have been deployed to the area to restore calm and begin preliminary investigations.
Local political leaders and concerned residents have condemned the killings, calling on the state and federal governments to urgently strengthen security architecture in Otukpo LGA and other vulnerable parts of the state.
They warned that continued attacks could further destabilize the region and deepen humanitarian concerns, including displacement, food insecurity, and economic disruption.
Residents are now urging authorities to move beyond routine condemnations and take decisive steps to prevent further bloodshed, as Otobi joins the growing list of Benue communities mourning victims of violent attacks.
