The attack, which occurred around 1:30am, follows a foiled kidnap attempt in the Ekwu-Ora Odaba area of Otobi just two days earlier, prevented by community volunteer guards.

At least five people, including former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Assembly candidate for Otukpo-Akpa constituency, Igbabe Ochi, were killed early Tuesday when gunmen attacked Otobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack, which occurred around 1:30am, follows a foiled kidnap attempt in the Ekwu-Ora Odaba area of Otobi just two days earlier, prevented by community volunteer guards.

Locals said the killings happened after volunteer guards and youths had patrolled the community until midnight on Monday before withdrawing to rest.

“When the surveillance team covering the railway crossing toward the Ijami axis pulled back around 1:30am, the gunmen stormed the community and began shooting indiscriminately. Five people were killed, and foodstuffs and other valuables were looted,” a resident who asked not to be named said.

John Anyebe, president of the Otobi Community Development Association (OCDA), confirmed the attack, saying the assailants entered the community via the railway station bridge from the Ijami side.

“They first shot a person near the water board before moving to the transformer junction, where Honourable Igbabe Ochi and four others were seated, and opened fire on them. They also looted nearby shops for food and other items,” he explained.

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident but reported the death toll as four.

“We can confirm that an incident occurred earlier today at Otobi-Akpa. Tragically, four individuals have lost their lives. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and loved ones affected. Investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrators,” he said.

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