Residents flee as suspected armed herders attack Ankpechi community along the Otukpo-Oweto-Abuja Road
Suspected armed herders have again attacked a community in Benue State, leaving one person injured and looting several shops in the latest wave of violence to hit the state.
The attackers reportedly stormed Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, along the Otukpo-Oweto-Abuja Road in Ohimini Local Government Area, on Thursday morning, firing sporadically and forcing residents, traders and customers to flee for safety.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, said the assailants, believed to be armed herders, invaded the community between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.
According to him, the attackers shot one resident before breaking into several provision stores and making away with food items and other goods.
“Yes, there was an attack this morning between 8 a.m. and 9 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,” Adole said.
Attackers Target Food Supplies
The council chairman noted that the attackers appeared to be targeting food supplies, saying they carted away mainly food items from shops in the community.
“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.
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Adole said residents identified the attackers as armed herders, adding that the victim who sustained gunshot injuries had been rushed to the hospital.
“The victim who was shot has been taken to the hospital, and we are hopeful that he will survive,” he said.
The latest attack adds to growing security concerns in Benue State, where recurring attacks on farming communities have continued to claim lives, displace residents and threaten livelihoods. Authorities are yet to announce any arrests in connection with the incident.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.