News Editor
By David Odama
The management of Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), has joined the chorus of voices condemning the gruesome April 15th attack on Otobi Akpa, a quiet community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, where lives were lost and homes reduced to ashes in an onslaught reportedly carried out by suspected herdsmen.
Leading the management team to the Palace of the Och’ Idoma, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Stephen Abah described the attack as a “heinous act of barbarity and man’s inhumanity to man,” the
Professor Stephen Abah, high-powered University delegation told His Royal Majesty, Dr. John Elaigwu, CON, and subsequent meeting with Akpa community at the village square, where he met with the District Head, Chief, Pastor Wilson Ahola that the University community shared with them the pains of the sad development.
He expressed profound sorrow over the loss suffered by FUHSO’s host community, especially as the University prepares for its landmark relocation to its permanent site at Akwete-Akpa—a move symbolizing growth now marred by grief.
“What could possibly justify the slaughter of innocent, peace-loving people in their own homes?”, Professor Abah asked solemnly.
“The horror visited upon Otobi Akpa is beyond comprehension. This community, which plays host to not just our University but also the Federal Government College and Otobi Dam, deserves protection, not persecution.”
In a press statement, Mr James Onogwu, Head Information quoted the Acting Vice-Chancellor of calling on security agencies to ensure that those behind this crime are identify, apprehended, and prosecuted, while appealing to the Nigerian Police Force to establish a police station within the Otobi Akpa axis to safeguard the strategic federal presence and prevent further bloodshed.
At the palace of the Och’Idoma, Professor Abah conveyed the University’s deepest condolences to the paramount ruler of Idoma Kingdom.
In response, the monarch, who emotionally revealed that one of the victims was his own pastor, called for collective action from Idoma sons and daughters, both home and abroad.
“This is not just about Otobi Akpa,” His Royal Majesty, the Ochi’doma – Dr. John Elaigwu, CON said. “This is about the soul of our people, our heritage, and our future. We must speak with one voice and demand justice for our slain.”
He emphasized the strategic importance of Otobi Akpa—not only as the heart of Otukpo’s water supply but also as the proud host of Nigeria’s pioneering Federal University of Health Sciences—underscoring the gravity of the attack and the urgent need for sustainable security.
In the village square, where grief hung heavy in the air, the District Head – Chief Pastor Wilson Ahola echoed the monarch’s sentiments. “Our hearts are bleeding,” he said, his voice trembling. “We are in mourning, but we are not broken. We ask only for safety, for peace—and justice.”
