Police Confirm Benue Attack, Say Four Persons Killed

The police authorities in Benue have confirmed the attack on Otobi community in the Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

Gunmen had stormed the community in the early hours of Tuesday, killing five people, according to information earlier gathered by Channels Television.

Among the victims is a House of Assembly candidate for Otukpo-Akpa State Constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election, Igbabe Ochi.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, the Command’s spokesman, Udeme Edet, said four persons were killed in the attack, contrary to media reports.

“We can confirm that an incident occurred earlier today at Otobi-Akpa. Tragically, four individuals have lost their lives,” the Command’s spokesman said.

READ ALSO: Bandits Kill Five In Fresh Attack On Benue Community

He commiserated with the families of the victims, assuring the Command’s commitment in bring the attackers to justice.

“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,” Edet stated.

The attack followed a Sunday night kidnapping attempt at Ekwu-Ora’Odaba in Otobi, foiled by the community volunteers’ guards commander,  Ocheme Jackson, and his team, prompting a high security alert in the community.

Local sources confirmed that the community has been singled out by suspected herdsmen for attacks, following the killing of 13 persons on April 15, 2025, and another attack that claimed three more lives in May 2025.