Bandits have carried out a deadly attack in Umogidi community, located in the Entekpa Council ward of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, resulting in the deaths of two internally displaced persons (IDPs) working on their farms.
According to local sources speaking to journalists on Thursday, April 11, 2024, two other farmers were injured during the attack, and one was abducted by the bandits. The victims had recently fled their homes due to a previous attack but returned to their farms in Umogidi when they were ambushed on Tuesday, April 9.
Reports indicate that the bandits, who had previously displaced the victims, attacked them while they were working on their farms, resulting in casualties and abductions. The abducted victim is reportedly being held for a ransom of N5 million.
Alfred Omakwu, the caretaker chairman of Otukpo LGA, confirmed that the victims were IDPs who had ventured out to their farms when the attack occurred. He also mentioned another attack by the bandits on Upu village, which was repelled by soldiers after an intense gun battle lasting from afternoon until 7 pm on Wednesday.
Many of the IDPs affected by the attacks have sought refuge in St. Charles Primary School, while some have temporarily relocated to Adoka central. Omakwu highlighted the vulnerability of the IDPs, who left their places of refuge to tend to their farms, only to face further violence from the armed bandits.
