A security guard was reportedly killed late Friday night by suspected herdsmen near the Otobi Dam in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
This latest incident adds to a disturbing pattern of violent attacks that have plagued the Otukpo axis in recent weeks.
Angbo Kennedy, the lawmaker representing Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, confirmed the killing and called for immediate action to halt the escalating violence.
He said, “This is becoming too much, a guard was killed this evening at the Otobi dam by herdsmen. Please let’s watch out for each other. We must resort to self help.”
As of the time this report was filed, the identity of the slain guard had not been disclosed, and no arrests had been made in connection with the attack.
Residents are appealing to the Benue State Government and security agencies to intensify surveillance and increase the deployment of personnel to rural flashpoints, especially around key infrastructure like the Otobi Dam.
The Otobi attack follows a series of violent incidents in other parts of Otukpo LGA earlier this year, including deadly assaults in Okpomaju, Okete, and Asa communities that left several people dead and displaced many others.
In a related development, just yesterday, gunmen hijacked a fully-loaded Benue Links bus, killing two passengers and abducting 13 others, further underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the region.