The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a deadly attack on Otobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state, resulting in the deaths of four persons.
Gunmen reportedly invaded the community in the early hours of Tuesday, triggering panic among residents. Initial reports had put the death toll at five, but police authorities later clarified the figure.
Among those killed was Igbabe Ochi, a former House of Assembly candidate for the Otukpo-Akpa State Constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 general election.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, said four people lost their lives in the attack.
“We can confirm that an incident occurred earlier today at Otobi-Akpa. Tragically, four individuals have lost their lives,” Edet said.
He expressed sympathy with the families of the victims and assured that security agencies were working to apprehend those responsible.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and loved ones affected by this incident.
“Investigation is in progress, and efforts are being made to arrest the perpetrators to face justice,” the police spokesman stated.
The attack came barely two days after a kidnapping attempt at Ekwu-Ora’Odaba area of Otobi on Sunday night. The abduction plot was reportedly foiled by the community’s volunteer guards, led by their commander, Ocheme Jackson, prompting heightened security alert across the area.
Local sources disclosed that Otobi community has repeatedly come under attack by suspected herdsmen in recent months. The sources recalled that 13 people were killed during an attack on April 15, 2025, while another incident in May 2025 claimed three additional lives.
Residents have continued to call for increased security presence in the area amid rising concerns over recurring violence.
