Otukpo Attack: Benue State Govt Commits To Apprehend Perpetrators

Otukpo Attack: Benue State Govt Commits To Apprehend Perpetrators

 

 

....I promise that none of those who committed this heinous act will go free. The state government will take all necessary actions to ensure that those who disrupt the peace of this community will be apprehended - Deputy Governor Ode

Emmanuel Oduara 

The Benue State government has vowed to take all necessary measures to apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for the brutal attack on the Okpomaju community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. 

 

Benue's Deputy Governor His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, made this commitment during a visit to the scene of the attack on Thursday, where he conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the damage caused by the assailants.

 

The incident occurred on the evening of February 5, 2025, around 7 p.m. when heavily armed herdsmen stormed Okpomaju, opening fire indiscriminately. Five people were confirmed dead, eight others are reported missing, and many more were injured during the ensuing chaos.

 

Dr. Ode, on behalf of the Executive Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, extended condolences to the victims' families and the community, assuring them that a military patrol team would remain in the area while plans are underway to establish a military operational base to enhance security.

 

Describing the attack as "unacceptable," Dr. Ode vowed, "I promise that none of those who committed this heinous act will go free. The state government will take all necessary actions to ensure that those who disrupt the peace of this community will be apprehended."

 

In an effort to prevent a looming humanitarian crisis, the deputy governor stated, "I have come here with the State Emergency Management Team to assess the number of displaced persons so that we can provide relief materials to meet their immediate needs."

 

During the visit, Lt. Col. Salisu Inusa, Sector Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Forward Base, Otukpo, confirmed that the Okpomaju community had been attacked by suspected gunmen on Wednesday evening. 

He reported that upon receiving news of the assault, troops from Operation Whirl Stroke, in collaboration with other security forces, swiftly moved to contain the situation and prevent further loss of life and property. 

 

Col. Inusa also mentioned that a gun truck had been stationed in the community to reassure residents of their safety.

Community youth leader Mr. Onyilokwu Agaba recounted the traumatic experience, noting that the attackers murdered five community members, including his immediate younger brother, in a coordinated assault that lasted approximately 30 minutes.

 

HYPE.NEWS REPORTS