Teen killed, hundreds of cattle rustled as gunmen attack Benue community

Residents of several communities in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, have abandoned their homes after a fresh armed attack claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy, left one person missing and led to the rustling of hundreds of cattle.

The attack reportedly occurred around 7:00 a.m. on Monday in Olahimu village, where gunmen allegedly targeted cattle belonging to the family of the late Ardo Risku Muhammad, who was killed in a similar incident a few weeks earlier.

In a statement released on behalf of the family, Muhammed Idris disclosed that his younger brother, Muhammad Isiyaku, 15, was fatally shot during the assault. He explained that although four people earlier reported missing were later found, one labourer, Saidu Musa, is still unaccounted for.

Idris further stated that the attackers made away with about 500 cattle. He said a number of the animals were later recovered during a search around the Okwudu axis, while several were found dead and many others remain missing.

According to the family, the incident was reported to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ogoli Ugboju, who visited the scene with officers as investigations commenced.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, said he immediately contacted the District Head and the Divisional Police Officer after receiving a distress call from Idris while the attack was still in progress.

He explained that security operatives and local youths were mobilised to the community, but by the time they arrived, one victim had already been killed and the attackers had escaped with the cattle.

Ogiri lamented the increasing insecurity in the area, recalling that armed men had recently invaded a ranch in Jericho village, Ugboju, rustled cattle and launched attacks on nearby communities.

He added that the latest assault has forced many residents to flee their homes for fear of further attacks.

The council chairman, however, assured residents that security had been strengthened, noting that additional police officers and other security personnel were currently operating across Otukpo Local Government Area.

The bereaved family appealed to the Benue State Government, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the missing labourer, recover the remaining cattle and improve security in Olahimu, Ogoli Ugboju and neighbouring border communities.

They also called on members of the public with useful information to support security agencies in identifying and apprehending those responsible.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to receive details of the incident.

Teen killed, hundreds of cattle rustled as gunmen attack Benue community