Panic in Benue as Armed Attack Kills Teen, Rustlers Make Away with Hundreds of Cattle

Residents of several communities in Benue State’s Otukpo Local Government Area have fled their homes following a deadly attack by suspected armed men that left a teenager dead, one person missing, and hundreds of cattle stolen.

The attack occurred at about 7 a.m. on Monday in Olahimu Village, located in the Ugboju District of Otukpo LGA. According to the victims’ family, the assailants targeted a herd of cattle owned by the family of the late Ardo Risku Muhammad, who was reportedly killed in a similar attack just weeks ago.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Muhammed Idris said his 15-year-old brother, Muhammad Isiyaku, was shot dead during the assault. He added that four people initially reported missing were later found safe, but a labourer identified as Saidu Musa remains missing.

The family further alleged that the attackers rustled about 500 cattle during the raid. While search efforts around the Okwudu axis led to the recovery of some of the animals, several were reportedly killed and many others remain unaccounted for.

The incident was reported to the Divisional Police Officer in Ogoli Ugboju, who visited the scene with his team and launched an investigation.

Confirming the attack, Otukpo Local Government Chairman Maxwell Ogiri said he received a distress call while the attack was in progress and immediately alerted the district head and security agencies. He noted that security personnel and local vigilantes were mobilized to the area, but the attackers had already fled with the cattle before they arrived.

Ogiri described the latest attack as part of a disturbing pattern of insecurity in the area, recalling recent cattle rustling incidents and raids on nearby communities. He said the renewed violence has forced many residents to flee their homes for fear of further attacks.

The council chairman added that security has been strengthened across the affected communities, with police officers and other security agencies maintaining an increased presence to prevent further violence.

The bereaved family has appealed to the Benue State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, 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 surrounding communities.

They also urged anyone with useful information about the attackers or the missing labourer to report it to the appropriate security authorities.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command said it was still gathering details about the incident. Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet stated that she had not yet received a full report at the time of filing.