From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
A 15-year-old herder has been killed, another worker declared missing and several cattle rustled after suspected armed bandits attacked a herd in Olahimo Village, Ogoli-Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government, Benue State.
The attack, which occurred at about 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, targeted cattle belonging to the family of the late Ardo Risku Muhammad of Ohimini LG.
In a statement signed on behalf of the family and made available to journalists in Makurdi on yesterday, Muhammed Idris said the assailants stormed the grazing area, killing 15-year-old Muhammad Isiyaku, rustling several cattle and leaving four persons initially unaccounted for.
He described the incident as tragic, expressing concern over the worsening insecurity affecting livestock owners and rural communities in the state.
According to him, search efforts led to the recovery of many of the stolen cattle, although some animals remain missing, while several others were reportedly killed during the attack.
Idris said three of the four missing persons—Muhammed Ismaiel, 17; Muhammed Hamza, 13; and a family worker, Abu Ali—have since been found safe.
He, however, disclosed that another worker, identified as Saidu Musa, remains missing, raising fears among family members and residents.
The family said the incident had been reported to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ogoli-Ugboju Division and that security personnel had visited the scene as investigations continue.
Condemning the attack, the family appealed to the Benue State Government, security agencies and community leaders to intensify efforts to locate the missing worker, recover the remaining cattle and strengthen security in Olahimo, Ogoli-Ugboju and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks.
The family also reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and urged members of the public with useful information to assist security agencies in their investigation.
“As a peace-loving family, we remain committed to peace and the rule of law. We will continue to cooperate fully with security agencies in their investigation,” the statement said.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the incident, saying tension remains high in the affected community.
Ogiri told journalists by telephone that he received a distress call from Muhammed Idris informing him that the attack on the herd was underway and expressing fears over the safety of family members tending the cattle.
He said he immediately contacted the district head and the Divisional Police Officer, who mobilised security personnel to the area.
The council chairman added that he also reached out to local youth leaders, who reported hearing gunshots near farming communities, forcing farmers to flee while residents mobilised to assess the situation.
Ogiri expressed concern over the recent rise in cattle rustling and other criminal activities in parts of Otukpo, citing a similar incident in Jericho community where cattle belonging to an indigene were stolen after gunmen reportedly opened fire overnight.
He also noted reports of attacks on shops and the theft of food items in some villages.
While urging residents to remain calm, the chairman called for sustained collaboration between communities and security agencies to address the growing security challenges.
According to him, police officers and other security agencies have been deployed across the local government area to maintain peace and protect lives and property.
Ogiri also sympathised with the affected families and communities, noting that fear and anxiety have heightened among residents following the attacks. He appealed for sustained efforts to prevent further violence and preserve peace in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
(The Sun)