Tragedy Strikes Otobi-Akpa: Fulani Militia Attack Leaves Casualties and Homes Burnt in Benue State

 

TRAGEDY STRIKES OTOBI-AKPA: FULANI MILITIA ATTACK LEAVES CASUALTIES AND HOMES BURNT IN BENUE STATE

In what has become a heartbreaking and recurring nightmare for the people of Benue State, the peaceful community of Otobi-Akpa, located in Otukpo Local Government Area, came under attack today by suspected Fulani militia.

Reports from locals reveal that the attackers stormed the village in broad daylight, allegedly killing a number of residents and setting several houses ablaze. This latest incident adds to the long list of violent assaults that have continued to plague farming communities across Benue, leaving thousands dead, displaced, and living in fear.

Eyewitnesses and survivors described the invasion as brutal and sudden, with families forced to flee for their lives as gunmen wreaked havoc, setting fire to homes and farmlands. While the exact casualty figure is still unclear, the emotional and material damage is devastating.

One of the most striking reactions came from the relative of a victim, whose words captured the frustration felt by many across Benue State:

"The government's security agencies can no longer protect us; instead, they should equip us to face our battle."

This statement reflects the deep loss of faith in the government’s ability to secure rural communities. For years, citizens have called for stronger action and meaningful security intervention, but the frequency and scale of these attacks suggest that not enough has been done to address the crisis.

The situation in Otobi-Akpa mirrors the wider insecurity plaguing many parts of Benue, often referred to as Nigeria’s "Food Basket." Once a thriving hub of agriculture and trade, many villages have become ghost towns due to the repeated violent clashes between farmers and armed herders.

Local leaders and human rights advocates are once again calling on the federal government and security agencies to take urgent action. Beyond military responses, they are advocating for long-term solutions including local community defense training, better early-warning systems, and policies that address the root causes of the herder-farmer conflicts.

As families in Otobi-Akpa mourn the loss of their loved ones and the destruction of their homes, Nigerians are left asking: How many more lives must be lost before real protection is provided?

If you have loved ones in Otobi-Akpa or nearby communities, now is the time to check in and offer support.

Let’s stand in solidarity with the people of Benue and push for peace and justice.

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