The SharpEdge News Media Agency visited an Internally Displayed Person (IDP) camp in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, on April 18, 2025, where survivors of the Boko Haram/Fulani herdsmen attack in Otobi-Akpa community and surrounding areas were sheltering. Survivors shared their experiences, that the attack started about 5:30pm on the Tuesday 15th April 2025, expressing shock and grief over the unexpected attack and losses incurred.
Our correspondent spoke with Mr. Ochulor Benneth Ezennia, who recounted his harrowing experience and miraculous escape. He reported that his businesses were destroyed in the attack. Mr. Ezennia had relocated from Southeast to Northcentral two years ago due to insecurity, where his house was burnt and he was declared wanted by Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) for his political activities. Having lost everything, he is now faced with uncertainty.
Hon. Angbo Kennedy, a member of the Benue State House of Assembly, reported that ten Christians were killed in the attack on the Otobi-Akpa community, describing the assault as “appealing and gory”. He stated that children as young as five years old were killed, and victims had bullet wounds and machete cuts. Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed the attack and said the Commissioner of Police has deployed more personnel to the area. The Member representing Otukpo-Ohimini Federal Constituency in Abuja Hon. Blessing Onuh condemned the attack and called for government intervention.
Area residents, including Noah Unogwu, David Okpe, and Patrick Godwin, expressed shock and dismay at the destruction of properties and loss of lives, calling it “barbaric” and “inhumane”. They urged security agencies to do more to prevent such attacks on Christian communities. The state governor HE Hyacinth Alia have confirmed the attack and assured that the situation is under control.