A fresh wave of violence has struck Benue State, leaving a community in mourning after a deadly overnight attack. Suspected armed herdsmen killed five individuals, including a former political candidate, in a brutal ambush that has heightened fears across the region.
Details of the Deadly Otobi Community Ambush
The incident occurred in the Otobi community within the Otukpo Local Government Area in the early hours of Tuesday, January 13, 2026. According to local sources, the assailants struck at approximately 1:30 a.m., shortly after community patrol teams had withdrawn.
Among the victims was Igbabe Ochi, a former House of Assembly candidate. Ochi had contested for the Otukpo-Akpa State Constituency under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 general elections. The attack followed a failed kidnap attempt in the same community on the night of Sunday, January 11, which had already put residents on high alert.
John Anyebe, President of the Otobi Community Development Association, provided a chilling account. He stated that the attackers entered the community via the railway station bridge from the Ijami area. "They first shot one person close to the water board before heading to where Hon. Igbabe Ochi and four others were seated near the transformer junction," Anyebe explained. "They opened fire on them and later looted nearby stores for food and other valuables."
Community in Despair as Insecurity Escalates
The attack has devastated the Otobi community, forcing many residents to flee and bringing economic activities to a standstill. The violence underscores a worsening security situation in Benue State, where clashes between farmers and herders, as well as attacks on security personnel, have become increasingly frequent.
This tragedy is not an isolated event. Recall that just recently, armed herdsmen killed two security operatives in the Udeku community of Benue State. Furthermore, residents in Logo and Gwer West Local Government Areas have raised alarms over a noticeable influx of suspected armed herdsmen and cattle, pleading with security agencies for urgent reinforcement.
Leaders Urge Government Action Amidst Rising Tension
Local leaders and community associations are now issuing desperate calls for government intervention. The pattern of violence, which often targets farmers and community figures, points to a deep-seated crisis requiring immediate and decisive action from both state and federal authorities.
The killing of a former political candidate like Igbabe Ochi marks a significant escalation, highlighting that no one is safe from the pervasive insecurity. As fear grips Benue communities, the demand for a permanent security solution grows louder, with hopes that the government will deploy additional personnel and strategies to protect lives and property.
