Residents of several communities in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State have fled their homes following a fresh armed attack that left a 15-year-old boy dead, one person missing and hundreds of cattle rustled.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 7:00 a.m. on Monday in Olahimu village, where suspected gunmen allegedly stormed the community and targeted cattle belonging to the family of the late Ardo Risku Muhammad, who was killed in a similar attack a few weeks ago.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family, Muhammed Idris said his 15-year-old younger brother, Muhammad Isiyaku, was shot dead during the assault.
He disclosed that although four persons initially declared missing were later found, a labourer identified as Saidu Musa remained unaccounted for.
Idris further alleged that the attackers rustled about 500 cattle during the invasion.
According to him, some of the stolen cattle were later recovered around the Okwudu axis during a search operation, while several others were found dead and many remain missing.
He said the incident was reported to the Divisional Police Officer in Ogoli Ugboju, who visited the scene alongside police officers as investigations commenced.
Confirming the attack, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, said he received a distress call from Idris while the attack was ongoing and immediately contacted the District Head and the Divisional Police Officer.
Ogiri 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 gunmen had fled with the cattle.
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The council chairman lamented the recurring attacks in the area, recalling that armed men recently invaded a ranch in Jericho village, Ugboju, rustled cattle and attacked surrounding communities.
He added that the latest incident had forced many residents to abandon their homes over fears of further attacks.
Ogiri, however, assured residents that security had been reinforced, stating that additional police officers and other security personnel had been deployed across Otukpo Local Government Area to restore calm.
The bereaved family appealed to the Benue State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the missing labourer, recover the remaining stolen cattle and strengthen security in Olahimu, Ogoli Ugboju and neighbouring border communities.
They also urged members of the public with useful information to assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the attack.
When contacted, the Benue State Police Command said it was yet to receive details of the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said information on the attack had not reached her office as of the time of filing this report.