At least five residents were killed in a deadly attack in Otobi-Akpa, Otobi Ward, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday, local reports confirmed.

The assailants, suspected to be herdsmen, reportedly opened fire around midnight, forcing residents to flee for safety. The attack lasted several hours, leaving multiple victims dead or missing.

Among the confirmed casualties were Hon. Ochi Igbabe, the 2019 PDP State House of Assembly candidate, and Pastor Mrs. Menu Ojiji, who reportedly died of shock from the gunfire. Several other residents remain unaccounted for.

Eyewitnesses said the attack followed a foiled kidnapping attempt on Sunday night at Ekwu-Ora’Odaba, which was prevented by community volunteer guards led by Ocheme Jackson.

Despite heightened security measures in the area following the earlier incident, the gunmen managed to carry out the assault on Tuesday.

Residents have called on security agencies to intervene urgently to prevent further bloodshed and restore safety to the community.

Reacting to the attack, community member Major Agbo condemned the role of some content creators in spreading misinformation, which he said worsens divisions among residents.

“Idoma content creators being used to blackmail political leaders through slander and misinformation contribute to dividing the people along the thin lines of greed,” Agbo said.

He urged creators to use their platforms to promote unity and peace, emphasizing that community cohesion is essential to confront external threats effectively.

The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Benue State, where communal tensions and attacks by armed groups continue to threaten residents’ safety.