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At least four people are feared dead and several others remain unaccounted for following a deadly overnight attack on Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The assault, which reportedly took place around midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026, saw heavily armed gunmen storm the rural settlement, unleashing sustained gunfire on sleeping residents. Eyewitness accounts describe hours of chaos and panic as bullets rained on homes, forcing many villagers to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.
Local sources speaking to Benue Info-pedia said the attackers operated unchallenged for several hours. Citizen journalist and community activist, Mr. Meddy Olotu, confirmed the invasion and alleged that no security personnel were visible or responded during the prolonged operation.
“People ran into the bushes in different directions. Some are still missing up to now,” one resident told the platform. As of the time of reporting on Tuesday morning, January 13, search efforts were ongoing for those who fled and have not returned.
The latest violence comes barely months after a similar attack on the same community, in which no fewer than 13 people were killed, many others injured or declared missing, and over 50 houses burnt down. Residents say the recurring nature of the assaults has left the area in constant fear.
The attack has renewed urgent calls from community leaders and displaced persons for both the Benue State Government and federal authorities to urgently deploy more security forces to vulnerable rural communities in Otukpo and other parts of the state.
Many locals have accused security agencies of failing to act swiftly or establish a visible presence despite repeated warnings and previous incidents in the zone.
Benue has continued to grapple with cycles of farmer-herder clashes and armed attacks on rural settlements, often resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and mass displacement. The Otobi-Akpa incident is the latest in a string of violent episodes that have drawn criticism over the effectiveness of ongoing security measures in the state.
As families continue to search for missing loved ones and communities mourn the reported casualties, residents are appealing for immediate intervention to prevent further bloodshed and restore a sense of safety to the area.
