By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
At least three communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State came under simultaneous attacks on Wednesday by gunmen, which forced residents to flee in droves.
The communities – Emichi, Okpomaju and Odudaje – were invaded barely 24 hours after a deadly assault on Otobi village that claimed about 13 lives, including children.
Witnesses narrated terrifying experiences even as most of the people, including women and children, have fled their homes to the main town of Otukpo for safety.
Several persons, according to residents, sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to different hospitals.
The chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the fresh assaults, stating that the attacks occurred while the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabnet, was on a visit to the Ochidoma palace.
He noted that security operatives responded swiftly and forced the attackers to retreat.
“The attacks have persisted in these communities, leading to the displacement of women and children. Only young men were left behind when the assailants struck on Wednesday,” Ogiri said.
He also disclosed that three people sustained injuries, adding that security personnel had been deployed to stabilise the affected areas.