Suspected armed herdsmen invade Benue community, shoot resident, loot shops

Residents of Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, along the Otukpo–Ogobia Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, were thrown into panic on Thursday morning after suspected armed herdsmen reportedly invaded the area, shot a resident and looted several provision stores.

Sources in the community said the attackers stormed the area between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., firing sporadically and forcing residents, traders and customers to flee for safety.

A resident said people had just begun their daily activities while shop owners were opening for business when the gunmen suddenly emerged and started shooting indiscriminately.

> “We have all been on the alert since the attacks on neighbouring communities. So, when people sighted them, they raised the alarm, and everyone started running for safety.

> “They moved into people’s shops, looted goods and food items before leaving. Unfortunately, one man was shot, but he was still alive when help arrived. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, identified the attackers as suspected armed herdsmen.

> “Yes, there was an attack this morning between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 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.

> “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.

> “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 said.

The council chairman disclosed that he immediately alerted Governor Hyacinth Alia and security agencies following the attack, adding that security personnel had since been deployed to the community.

> “I informed the governor immediately, and security personnel were promptly deployed to the area. Many security operatives are currently on the ground, while others are combing the surrounding bushes,” he added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached at the time of filing this report.