A fresh attack by suspected armed herders has claimed the life of one person in Ondo community, located in the Ogboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State.
The attack occurred early Tuesday morning when the assailants reportedly invaded the community, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee to the neighbouring Oyangede community for safety.
A resident, identified simply as Sunny, said the attackers stormed the area at about 6 a.m. He explained that local youths quickly mobilised and confronted the gunmen, preventing them from causing further destruction. However, one resident lost his life during the incident.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack and the casualty. He said the swift response by security operatives and local residents helped repel the attackers before they could inflict greater damage.
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According to Ogiri, combined security personnel have launched a search operation in nearby forests to track down the fleeing suspects. He added that calm has since returned to the affected community.
The latest violence comes just two days after another deadly attack in Otukpo Nobi, also in Otukpo Local Government Area. While some residents claimed that 16 people were killed in Sunday’s assault, police authorities earlier confirmed that eight people died and five others sustained injuries.
Efforts to obtain further comments from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. Authorities are expected to provide additional updates as security operations continue in the area.
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