Suspected armed herders on Thursday attacked Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, shooting one resident, looting several provision stores and forcing traders and residents to flee for safety.
The attack, which occurred between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., happened along the busy Otukpo-Oweto-Abuja Road, adding to growing concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Benue State, where attacks linked to armed herders have become frequent.
Witnesses said the attackers stormed the community unexpectedly and began shooting into the air and at residents, creating panic across the area. Traders quickly abandoned their shops while customers and other residents ran in different directions to escape the gunfire.
After residents fled, the gunmen reportedly broke into several provision stores and carted away food items and other goods before escaping.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Mr Gabriel Adole, confirmed the incident, describing the attackers as suspected armed herdsmen.
According to him, the armed men invaded Ankpechi community and carried out the attack in broad daylight, leaving one resident with gunshot injuries.
“Yes, there was an attack this morning between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. by suspected armed herdsmen. They came to Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, shooting sporadically. They shot one person, forcing residents to scamper for safety,” Adole said.
He explained that after firing at residents, the attackers burgled several shops and made away with food items and other goods.
“They burgled shops in the area and carted away goods, particularly food items. This tells you that they are operating very close to our communities. They could not get food elsewhere, so they came into Ohimini and used force to take food from our people,” he said.
The council chairman said residents who witnessed the attack identified the gunmen as armed herders.
He added that the victim who sustained gunshot injuries had been taken to hospital for treatment and expressed hope that the injured resident would recover.
“The residents identified them as armed herdsmen. The victim who was shot has been taken to the hospital, and we are hopeful that he will survive,” Adole added.
Thursday’s attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have continued to affect communities across Benue State, particularly in rural areas where farming remains the main source of livelihood.
Benue, widely known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has for years experienced recurring clashes involving armed herders and farming communities. The violence has led to the loss of many lives, destruction of property, displacement of thousands of residents and disruption of farming activities.
Several local government areas, including Guma, Gwer West, Logo, Kwande, Apa, Agatu, Ukum and Otukpo, have witnessed repeated attacks over the years. In recent months, security agencies have also responded to fresh incidents in parts of the state as communities continue to call for stronger protection.
Residents have repeatedly complained that many of the attacks take place despite the presence of security personnel, while local leaders have urged both the state and Federal Government to strengthen security operations in vulnerable communities.
The latest attack has also renewed concerns over the safety of communities located along major highways, especially the Otukpo-Oweto-Abuja Road, which serves as an important route for travellers and the movement of goods between Benue and neighbouring states.
Community leaders have warned that continued attacks could discourage commercial activities and increase fear among residents who depend on local markets for their daily livelihoods.
The Benue State Government has repeatedly appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to stop attacks on rural communities. Governor Hyacinth Alia has on several occasions called for stronger collaboration among the military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilante groups to improve security across the state.
The Federal Government has also maintained that security operations are ongoing in parts of Benue and other states facing similar threats, with troops deployed to tackle armed groups and restore peace.
However, despite these efforts, many communities continue to experience attacks that leave residents displaced and fearful.
For residents of Ankpechi community, Thursday’s attack has once again brought fear and uncertainty. Many shop owners have counted their losses after goods were stolen, while families remain worried about the safety of their communities.