A resident was killed after suspected armed herders reportedly attacked Ondo community in the Ogboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, on Tuesday morning, forcing residents to flee before security operatives responded and repelled the attackers.

OTUKPO, BENUE — One resident has been confirmed dead following a fresh attack by suspected armed herders on Ondo community in the Ogboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, when armed men invaded the community and allegedly opened fire, causing residents to flee to nearby Oyangede community for safety.

A resident, who identified himself simply as Sunny, said local youths mobilised after the attack and confronted the assailants, preventing further casualties and destruction.

"The herders invaded our community around 6 a.m. and started shooting. People ran to Oyangede for safety, but our youths pursued them, stopping them from causing more damage. Unfortunately, one person was killed," he said.

Confirming the incident, Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, said security agencies responded promptly and restored calm to the area.

According to him, although one resident lost his life, the attackers were repelled, while a joint security team has begun combing nearby forests to locate those responsible.

"The situation is now calm because security agencies responded immediately. They are combing the forest in search of the bandits," Ogiri said.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached.

The latest incident comes barely 48 hours after another deadly attack on Otukpo Nobi community in the same local government area. While residents claimed that 16 people were killed in Sunday's attack, the police confirmed eight deaths and five injuries, highlighting differences between community and official casualty figures.

Security operations in the affected area are ongoing.