The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), has decried the recent brutal killings in Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Otobi Akpa, which hosts the university’s permanent site, recently came under relentless assault by suspected herdsmen.

In a demonstration of solidarity, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of FUHSO, Professor Stephen Abah, led a high-powered university delegation to the palace of the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty John Elaigwu, and to the grieving community’s village square, where he met with the District Head, Chief Pastor Wilson Ahola.

Abah described the massacre as “a heinous act of barbarity and man’s inhumanity to man.”

He expressed profound sorrow over the incident, which coincides with FUHSO’s planned relocation to its permanent site in Akwete-Akpa a moment of institutional progress now overshadowed by grief and loss.

“What could possibly justify the slaughter of innocent, peace-loving people in their own homes?” he asked solemnly.

“This community, which plays host not only to our University but also to the Federal Government College and the Otobi Dam, deserves protection, not persecution. The horror visited upon Otobi Akpa is beyond comprehension.”

The vice-chancellor called on security agencies to act swiftly in identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators.

He also appealed to the Nigerian Police Force to establish a permanent police station within the Otobi Akpa axis, to secure this critical federal zone and help prevent future attacks.

During the visit to the Och’Idoma’s palace, Abah conveyed FUHSO’s deepest condolences to the paramount ruler of the Idoma Kingdom.

In response, the visibly emotional monarch revealed that one of the victims was his personal pastor. He called on all Idoma sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, to speak with one voice in demanding justice.

“This is not just about Otobi Akpa,” the monarch 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.”

The monarch emphasized Otobi Akpa’s strategic significance not only as Otukpo’s primary water source but also as the proud host of Nigeria’s first Federal University of Health Sciences noting the urgent need for a lasting security framework in the region.

The FUHSO delegation included senior members of University management: Acting Registrar Mr. Michael Ogiji; University Librarian Dr. Kathryn Philip; Provost of the College of Medicine Professor Rose Okwunu Abah; Director of Academic Planning and Control Professor Edache Sylvanus Okpe; Director of the Institute of Global Health and Health Security Professor Onyemocho Audu; Chief Security Officer Mr. Michael Anebi; and Head of Protocol Mr. Francis Onmoke.