Fear gripped residents of Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, located along the Otukpo-Ogobia Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, on Thursday morning after suspected armed herdsmen reportedly attacked the area, shot a resident and looted several provision stores.
Residents said the attack occurred between 8:00 am and 9:00 am when the suspected gunmen invaded the community, firing repeatedly into the air and causing traders, customers and other residents to flee for safety.
Sources in the area disclosed that commercial activities had only just commenced when the attackers struck.
According to one resident, shop owners were arranging their goods for the day’s business while customers had started arriving before the gunmen suddenly appeared and opened fire indiscriminately.
The resident explained that the community had remained on high alert in recent weeks due to attacks on neighbouring settlements, making residents respond quickly when the attackers were sighted.
“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.
The attackers reportedly forced their way into several shops, carting away foodstuffs and other goods before escaping.
One resident sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
Community members immediately rescued the victim and transported him to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Mr. Gabriel Adole, confirmed the incident and identified the attackers as suspected armed herdsmen.
According to him, the invasion took place in the early hours of Thursday and left residents in panic as gunshots echoed across the community.
“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.
“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 said he immediately contacted Governor Hyacinth Alia and relevant security agencies to notify them of the attack.
He disclosed that security operatives were swiftly mobilised to the affected community in response to the incident.
According to him, additional personnel have also been deployed to comb nearby bushes and surrounding areas in search of the fleeing attackers.
“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.
Residents expressed concern that the attack demonstrated how close the armed groups now operate to communities in the local government area.
They appealed for increased security patrols and permanent deployment of security personnel to vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.
As of the time this report was filed, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as calls placed to her phone were not answered.
