Armed herdsmen have launched an attack on Otobi Community in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, forcing residents to flee their homes and farms, according to reports received by SaharaReporters on Saturday evening.
Otobi is the hometown of former Senate President, David Mark, a retired Brigadier-General who served as the 12th President of the Nigerian Senate from 2007 to 2015.
Sources have confirmed that villagers are currently evacuating their homes amidst the ongoing assault. “Herdsmen are killing residents of Otobi in Otukpo LGA Benue State. They killed one last night and went round the community shooting. They are promising to attack again tonight,” a source revealed. “Villagers are evacuating. There is panic everywhere. This is the same community where David Mark came from,” another source added.
The security situation in Benue State has deteriorated in recent weeks, with frequent attacks attributed to suspected herdsmen.
Earlier in the week, SaharaReporters reported that gunmen killed two individuals and abducted 13 passengers near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area in the same local government. Benue Links Nigeria Limited confirmed the abduction, with Information Officer Johnson Daniel stating that efforts were underway to rescue the abducted passengers.
Police Spokesperson for Benue State, SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, acknowledged the attack, stating, “A kidnap incident involving a Benue Links vehicle has been reported. More details will be made available shortly.”
The ongoing attacks have created a climate of fear and displacement within the Otobi community and surrounding areas.
