Tension has heightened in Otobi-Akpa community, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, following continuous deadly attacks by suspected armed herdsmen that have left many residents dead and properties destroyed.
The once peaceful community, which also houses the Federal Government College, FGC, Otobi, has come under persistent attacks in recent weeks, with the latest invasion on Tuesday leaving no fewer than 11 persons dead and several homes razed.
The development has forced the management of FGC Otobi to begin evacuating staff members from the school premises amid growing fears for their safety.
Parents and students have expressed grave concern over the situation, especially with the forthcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, set to commence in May.
Mrs Charity Ejeh, a parent of one of the students, said she is worried for the safety of her child and other students.
“It’s heartbreaking. My son is supposed to be writing his WAEC next month, but how do we send them back to school when the community is no longer safe? The government must do something urgently,” she lamented.
Another parent, Mr Matthew Adaji, expressed frustration over the persistent attacks and the government’s silence.
“We have been crying for help, yet these killings continue. Now, the school is evacuating staff. What happens to our children’s education?”
A student of the school,and is in SS3, told Arogidigba Global Journal that the situation is disrupting their academic plans.
She said, “We are afraid. Some of our teachers have left, and our parents don’t want us to go back to school. I have WAEC in a few weeks, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to write it.”
When contacted, Mr Waakaven Gabriel, Secretary Tenders Board at FGC Otobi, directed the reporter to contact the Ministry of Education to comment on the development.
“I am not in the position to comment on what is happening. I think you have to contact the ministry for comment. Thank you,” he said.
Reacting to the spate of violence, the lawmaker representing Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Angbo Kennedy, lamented the persistent bloodshed and called on security agencies to urgently intervene.
Speaking with Channels TV Morning Brief, Angbo said, “It’s sad that innocent people are being slaughtered in their own homes. Our people cannot continue to live in fear in their ancestral homes.”
He opined that residents should resort to self-defense since the needed help is not coming from the relevant authorities.