Villagers flee as suspected armed herdsmen attack Benue community
Residents of Ankpechi Flee Amid Armed Attack
ANKPECHI, Benue State — Residents of the Ankpechi community in the Oglewu District of Ohimini Local Government Area were forced to evacuate their homes Thursday morning following an incursion by suspected armed herdsmen.
The community, located along the Otukpo–Ogobia Road, is near Ondo-Ugboju in the Otukpo Local Government Area, where a recent assault resulted in one fatality and another person injured.
Local sources reported that the attackers arrived around 8 a.m., firing gunshots into the air, instigating widespread panic. One individual suffered gunshot wounds during the incident and was transported to a hospital for medical attention.
Witnesses also mentioned that the assailants ransacked local shops and food storage facilities, stealing various items.
A resident, who identified himself as Adole, recounted the chaos as he was situated at a nearby school. “When the dust settled following the quick intervention of security operatives, it was discovered that one person sustained serious gunshot wounds, while food items were looted from shops in the area,” he said.
Gabriel Adole, Chairman of the Ohimini Local Government Area, confirmed the attack, which he said occurred between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. He described how the armed herdsmen shot indiscriminately and emphasized the immediate community response.
“There was an attack this morning in Ankpechi, where they shot one person,” he stated. “The community then scattered for safety. They also burgled shops and stole goods.”
Adole suggested that the attackers appeared to be from nearby regions, indicating a troubling trend of violence. “They cannot go to buy food, so they came to Ohimini and used force to take it,” he added. “As we speak, the injured person has been taken to the hospital, and we are hopeful for his recovery.”
Adole reported that he has informed the Governor and security forces have been dispatched to the area. A significant presence of security personnel was noted, with additional units searching surrounding areas.
As of Thursday evening, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Efforts to contact Police Public Relations Officer DSP Udeme Edet were unsuccessful.