Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with the killing of eleven people in Otobi, Otukpo Local Government Area, on Tuesday night.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Governor Alia revealed that National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has assured the state of additional security deployments to tackle the recent surge in violent attacks.
The Otobi community was reportedly invaded on Tuesday evening by suspected armed herders, who set houses ablaze and killed multiple residents in a deadly rampage. Fleeing for safety, many residents sought refuge in neighbouring villages.
Governor Alia stated that three suspected herders had been apprehended in connection with the attacks and emphasized that security forces were already on the ground in the affected area.
“The killing in Otobi yesterday is utterly condemnable,” Alia said. “I urge security agencies to pursue and apprehend all those responsible. The National Security Adviser has promised to send more personnel to help contain these escalating attacks, especially in Otukpo.”
Meanwhile, Kennedy Angbo, the lawmaker representing the area in the Benue State House of Assembly, said the assailants struck around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
According to Angbo, eleven people were confirmed dead, with nine bodies recovered Tuesday night and two more found the following morning. Several others who sustained injuries are currently receiving treatment in Otukpo.