The Benue State Police Command has confirmed an attack on Otobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
Gunmen reportedly invaded the community in the early hours of Tuesday, killing several residents. While earlier reports put the death toll at five, the police said four people were confirmed dead.
Among the victims is 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.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Command’s spokesperson, Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
“We can confirm that an incident occurred earlier today at Otobi-Akpa. Tragically, four individuals have lost their lives,” Edet said.
He assured that investigations were ongoing and that efforts were being intensified to apprehend the perpetrators.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones affected by this incident. Investigations are in progress, and efforts are being made to arrest those responsible and bring them to justice,” the spokesperson added.
The attack followed a foiled kidnapping attempt on Sunday night at Ekwu-Ora’Odaba in Otobi. The attempt was reportedly thwarted by community volunteer guards led by their commander, Ocheme Jackson, prompting heightened security alert in the area.
Local sources said Otobi community has been repeatedly targeted in recent months by suspected herdsmen. At least 13 people were killed in an attack on April 15, 2025, while another assault in May 2025 claimed three more lives.
