By Amos Aar
AT LEAST ten people have been confirmed killed, with several others reported missing and houses burnt, following an attack by suspected herdsmen on Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo LGA of Benue State on Tuesday evening.
An eyewitness who works at the Federal Government College (FGC), Otobi, but pleaded anonymity, said the assailants invaded the area around 6pm on Tuesday, firing gunshots indiscriminately.
“They followed the main road into the community down to the Federal Government College. They even killed a man close to the small gate of the FGC,” the source recounted.
The witness, who expressed concern over the whereabouts of her two teenage children after the attack, said many residents fled to Otukpo township for safety.
She further alleged that police officers stationed along the road near the scene abandoned their posts.
“Instead of rushing to the scene to save lives, the police officers – who are usually seen on the road – removed their uniforms, folded them into their bags, and were running toward Otukpo for their own safety,” she claimed.
As of the time of this report, the number of casualties could still rise, pending a full headcount expected to be conducted on Wednesday.
