Suspected Herdsmen Strike Again in Benue, Kill Security Guard Near Otobi Dam

A fresh wave of violence hit Benue State on Friday night as suspected herdsmen reportedly killed a security guard stationed at the Otobi Dam in Otukpo Local Government Area.

This incident marks yet another in a string of violent attacks that have plagued the Otukpo axis in recent weeks, raising renewed concerns among residents and stakeholders.

Confirming the development, Hon. Angbo Kennedy, the lawmaker representing Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, decried the frequency of the attacks and called for urgent intervention. “This has become too much. A security guard was killed this evening at the Otobi Dam by suspected herdsmen,” he stated. “We need to look out for one another. It may be time to resort to self-defense.”

As of press time, the identity of the slain guard has not been made public, and no suspects have been apprehended.

The attack follows several deadly incidents in nearby communities such as Okpomaju, Okete, and Asa—all within Otukpo LGA—where residents have been killed and displaced in recent months.

Adding to the climate of fear, another tragedy struck just a day earlier when gunmen hijacked a Benue Links bus, killing two passengers and abducting thirteen others.

In response to the rising insecurity, locals are urging the Benue State Government and law enforcement agencies to increase patrols and establish a stronger presence in rural areas, particularly around sensitive installations like the Otobi Dam.