Residents Flee as Suspected Armed Herdsmen Launch Fresh Attack on Benue Community

OTUKPO, Benue State – Panic gripped residents of Ondo community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, on Tuesday morning after suspected armed herdsmen launched a fresh attack, forcing families to flee their homes.

According to reports, the attackers invaded the community in the early hours of Tuesday and opened fire indiscriminately, sending residents scrambling for safety.

A native of the community and the Labour Party House of Assembly candidate for the 2027 elections, Hon. Jimmy Nart, confirmed the attack, stating that the assault was still ongoing at the time he issued an alert.

In a message shared during the incident, Nart warned residents to take precautionary measures.

“I just received information from my family that Fulani terrorists are currently attacking Ondo, Ugboju. Protect yourself.”

The latest violence comes less than 48 hours after another deadly attack on Otukpo-Nobi community, also in Otukpo Local Government Area, where more than 18 people were reportedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties or the extent of destruction in the Ondo community attack had not been independently confirmed.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, did not respond to phone calls or a text message seeking confirmation.

Residents said the security situation remains tense, with many families abandoning their homes over fears of renewed violence.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the latest incident.