Several people are feared dead, while about 30 others have been declared missing after suspected armed herdsmen launched fresh attacks on communities in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The latest attack is another setback for efforts to restore peace in parts of the state, which has continued to witness violent clashes and deadly raids despite repeated security operations.
Residents said the attackers first invaded Ochobo community, where two people were reportedly killed. After the attack, the gunmen allegedly attempted to move into nearby Agadagba community but were forced back by local residents who resisted the invasion.
However, the attackers reportedly returned on Saturday evening in greater numbers and launched another assault on Agadagba, opening fire on residents and causing many to flee for safety.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen shot indiscriminately as they entered the community, leaving several people dead while many others escaped into surrounding bushes and farmlands.
As of the time of filing this report, local residents said about 30 people remained missing, raising fears that the death toll could increase if those who fled into the bush are not found alive.
A resident of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, described the attack as sudden and devastating.
“They came shooting sporadically. Many people were killed, while several others escaped into the bush. As I speak with you, about 30 people are still missing, and we don’t know whether they are alive or dead,” the resident said.
The source added that many families had been separated during the attack, with relatives desperately searching for loved ones.
According to residents, the attack created panic across nearby communities, forcing many people, including women, children and the elderly, to abandon their homes in search of safety.
Some villagers were said to have taken refuge in neighbouring communities, while others remained in nearby forests, afraid to return because of fears that the attackers could strike again.
Community leaders were reportedly making efforts to account for missing residents and organise search teams, although the security situation has made rescue efforts difficult.
The exact number of casualties could not be independently confirmed as of press time, while officials were yet to release an official casualty figure.
There was also no immediate statement from the Benue State Police Command or other security agencies regarding the latest incident.
Benue has remained one of Nigeria’s most troubled states due to recurring attacks linked to disputes between farming communities and armed herders. While many clashes have been attributed to competition over land and grazing routes, recent attacks have become increasingly deadly, with heavily armed gunmen targeting rural settlements.
Several local government areas, including Guma, Logo, Agatu, Apa, Otukpo, Kwande and parts of the Benue South Senatorial District, have experienced repeated violence over the years, leading to hundreds of deaths and the displacement of thousands of residents.
Ohimini Local Government Area has also witnessed growing security concerns in recent months, with residents repeatedly calling for stronger security presence to protect farming communities.
The renewed violence comes at a time when many farmers are expected to be on their farms during the rainy season. Residents say persistent attacks have forced many people to abandon farming activities, raising concerns about food production and livelihoods.
Benue is widely regarded as Nigeria’s “Food Basket of the Nation” because of its large agricultural output. However, continued insecurity has affected farming activities across many rural communities, with several residents displaced from their ancestral homes.
The state government has repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen security in vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
Traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society groups have also continued to call for improved intelligence gathering, increased deployment of security personnel and the arrest of those responsible for the repeated killings.
Residents of Ohimini are now urging security agencies to launch an immediate search for the missing persons and provide protection to communities that remain vulnerable to further attacks.
Many also appealed to both the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to provide humanitarian assistance to families affected by the latest violence, especially those who have lost relatives or been forced to flee their homes.
As security agencies continue efforts to assess the situation, residents hope the missing persons will be found alive and that lasting measures will be put in place to end the cycle of violence that has continued to claim lives across Benue State.