In a recent disclosure on News Central TV, human rights activist Meddy Olotu revealed disturbing details of a deadly attack on the Otobi community in Akpa district, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. According to Olotu, the attackers identified as suspected armed herders, were predominantly children who stormed the community and started shooting indiscriminately.
Speaking during the interview, Olotu described the scale and brazenness of the assault. “The herdsmen, they came in numbers,” he said. “In fact, it’s because of one of the guys that were there yesterday. I can’t bring that guy on TV, If not, I would have posted the guy on my platform.The guy said, if you see these people, they were small children and they were herdsmen. They came in numbers, they were just spreading the bullets anyhow they want.”
The attack reportedly left multiple people injured and properties destroyed, deepening fear and insecurity in the community. Witnesses and local residents say the armed assailants stormed the area, shooting indiscriminately and causing residents to flee for safety.
This latest violence adds to the series of herder-related attacks plaguing parts of Benue State, a region long marred by farmer-herder clashes. However, the revelation that the attackers were mostly children has sparked outrage and concern over the growing use of minors in armed conflict. Olotu called on authorities to act swiftly to protect rural communities and investigate the involvement of children in the attack. “This cannot continue. People are dying and no one is held accountable,” he stressed.
Local security forces have yet to issue an official statement on the incident but residents continue to demand justice and increased protection from further assaults
