Villagers in the Ugboju District of Benue State have fled their homes following a violent morning assault in Olahimu. At roughly 7:00 a.m. on Monday, unidentified gunmen stormed the area, resulting in the death of 15-year-old Muhammad Isiyaku and the theft of approximately 500 cattle belonging to the family of the late Ardo Risku Muhammad.
Muhammed Idris, representing the victim’s family, confirmed that while some missing individuals were safely located, a laborer identified as Saidu Musa remains missing. Although local search efforts managed to recover some of the stolen livestock near Okwudu, many animals were found killed or remain lost.
Otukpo Local Government Area Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, acknowledged the crisis, noting that security forces and local volunteers were deployed too late to intercept the assailants. Ogiri highlighted a recent pattern of raids in areas such as Jericho village, which has prompted widespread panic and displacement among local families.
While authorities have pledged to reinforce security across the district with increased police presence, the affected family has formally requested that the state government and security agencies prioritize the search for the missing laborer and the recovery of their remaining property. As of now, police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet stated that official reports regarding the incident are still pending.
