From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Barely 48 hours after suspected armed herders attacked Akpachi in Ugboju and Otukpo Nobi, both in Otukpo Local Government (LG) Benue State, killing 18 people, another person has been killed in Ondo community, also in Ugboju, Otukpo LG.
Our correspondent gathered that the latest attack occurred in the early hours of yesterday, sparking fresh tension in the area.
Chairman of Otukpo LG, Maxwell Ogiri, who confirmed the attack in a telephone interview with journalists, said one indigene was killed.
Ogiri also disclosed that security agencies repelled the attackers and are combing the surrounding forests in search of the fleeing bandits.
The council chairman dismissed reports of a widespread crisis, insisting that security operatives had restored normalcy to the community.
He said: “There is a crisis in Ondo, but it is not widespread. The attack was repelled after the unfortunate loss of one indigene. Combined security operatives are combing the forest in search of the bandits. The situation is now calm because security agencies responded promptly, and normalcy has largely been restored.”
When contacted, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack.
Benue state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said: “At about 6:10 a.m., we received information that unknown gunmen attacked Ondo community in Ugboju, Otukpo LG,Benue State.
“One Sunday Ogoh, the youth chairman, sadly lost his life, while the head of Ondo community and other injured victims were rushed to the hospital for treatment.”
Edet said tactical teams, senior police officers, vigilante groups, the Civil Protection Guard and other sister security agencies have intensified efforts to apprehend the attackers.
