Panic and grief have taken over the Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, following yet another bloody attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Tuesday, April 15. The latest assault claimed at least 11 lives and destroyed multiple homes, deepening fears across the once peaceful town.
The escalating violence has also thrown the future of students at Federal Government College (FGC), Otobi into serious doubt, with the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) set to begin in just a few weeks.
Students, parents in distress
As attacks continue, FGC Otobi has begun evacuating staff from its premises, raising alarm among parents and students, many of whom are preparing for WAEC exams in May.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Mrs. Charity Ejeh, a concerned parent.
“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.”
Another parent, Mr. Matthew Adaji, expressed frustration at what he described as the government’s inaction in the face of ongoing violence.
“We have been crying for help, yet these killings continue. Now, the school is evacuating staff. What happens to our children’s education?”
A final-year student at FGC Otobi, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said their dreams are in danger of being derailed:
“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.”
School officials stay silent
When contacted, Mr. Waakaven Gabriel, Secretary of the Tenders Board at FGC Otobi, declined to comment directly on the situation:
“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 told Daily Post.
Calls for action amid helplessness
In response to the latest tragedy, Hon. Angbo Kennedy, the lawmaker representing Otukpo/Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, strongly condemned the attacks.
Speaking on 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.”
Frustrated by the lack of intervention, the lawmaker even suggested that residents may have to resort to self-defense, adding to the urgency of the crisis.
WAEC in jeopardy
With just weeks left before WAEC begins, many students in the area now face uncertainty about their safety, education, and future. Parents are calling for immediate government intervention to secure the community and ensure that students are able to complete their academic programs without fear or further disruption.
As the violence escalates and fear deepens, all eyes are on state and federal authorities to provide urgent security and restore calm — before more lives and futures are lost.
