Residents of Ondo community in Benue's Otukpo LGA fled their homes after gunmen reportedly invaded the area, raising fresh security concerns just days after the deadly Otukpo-Nobi attack.
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| Residents reportedly fled Ondo community in Ugboju District, Otukpo LGA, following a fresh attack by suspected armed herdsmen. |
OTUKPO, BENUE STATE — Fear has once again gripped communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State following reports of a fresh attack on Ondo community in Ugboju District, where gunmen suspected to be armed herders reportedly invaded the area on Tuesday morning, forcing residents to flee for safety.
The latest incident comes less than 48 hours after the deadly assault on Otukpo-Nobi community, where at least 18 people were killed in one of the worst attacks recorded in the area in recent months.
Residents say the renewed violence has heightened anxiety across Otukpo, with many fearing that the attacks may be spreading to other nearby communities.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed Ondo community in the early hours of Tuesday and began shooting indiscriminately, triggering panic among residents.
Men, women and children reportedly abandoned their homes and ran into nearby bushes and safer communities as gunfire echoed through the area.
As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties, injuries or the extent of property damage had not been independently confirmed.
Residents who spoke to local sources described the situation as chaotic, saying many families fled with little or no belongings.
The reported attack has compounded the grief still hanging over Otukpo following Sunday's massacre in Otukpo-Nobi, where dozens of families were thrown into mourning after gunmen attacked the community in the early hours of the day.
That incident sparked widespread protests across Otukpo town, with youths blocking major roads and demanding urgent intervention from both the Benue State Government and federal security agencies.
Since then, security agencies have reportedly increased patrols in parts of Otukpo, while Governor Hyacinth Alia directed security operatives to intensify surveillance across vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
Despite those assurances, Tuesday's reported invasion of Ondo community is likely to deepen concerns about the security situation in the local government area.
Community leaders have repeatedly warned that recurring attacks are disrupting farming activities, displacing families and worsening humanitarian conditions in rural communities that depend largely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Residents say many people are now afraid to return to their farms or remain in isolated settlements, especially during the ongoing rainy season when farming activities are at their peak.
As of press time, neither the Benue State Police Command nor the Benue State Government had issued an official statement confirming or commenting on the reported attack.
Prime Brief Media understands that efforts are ongoing to obtain official confirmation from security authorities while monitoring developments in the affected community.
The latest incident underscores the fragile security situation facing several communities across Benue State, where residents continue to call for stronger security measures capable of preventing repeated attacks and restoring confidence among rural populations.
Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor this developing story and provide verified updates as more information becomes available from security agencies and local authorities.
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