Panic In Benue As Suspected Armed Herders Shoot Resident, Loot Shops
Suspected armed herders on Thursday invaded Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, shooting one resident and looting several shops in a brazen daytime attack.
The attackers, who struck between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., reportedly opened fire indiscriminately, sending residents, traders and customers fleeing for safety before raiding provision stores and carting away food items.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Mr. Gabriel Adole, identified the attackers as suspected armed herders.
“Yes, there was an attack this morning between 8am and 9am 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 disclosed that after shooting the victim, the assailants broke into several shops and made away with food items.
“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 added.
According to the council chairman, residents identified the attackers as suspected armed herders.
He said the injured victim had been rushed to hospital for treatment and expressed optimism that he would recover.
The latest attack has heightened fears among residents of the area and underscores the persistent security challenges facing communities in Benue State, where attacks by armed groups have continued to threaten lives, livelihoods and food security.
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