Residents of Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, were thrown into panic on Thursday after suspected armed herders invaded the area, shot a resident and looted several provision stores.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the community between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., firing sporadically and forcing residents, traders and customers to flee for safety.
The gunmen reportedly broke into several shops and carted away food items and other valuables before fleeing the scene. One resident sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, confirmed the incident, identifying the attackers as suspected armed herders. He said the pattern of the attack suggested the assailants were operating close to the community and deliberately targeted shops in search of food supplies.
Adole disclosed that he immediately alerted Governor Hyacinth Alia and security agencies, prompting the deployment of security personnel to the affected community to restore calm.
He added that security operatives have commenced operations in the surrounding forests and neighbouring areas to track down the attackers and prevent further attacks.
The latest invasion comes amid renewed insecurity across parts of Benue State, where several communities have recently suffered deadly attacks resulting in loss of lives, displacement of residents and destruction of property.
Residents have again appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and bring those responsible for the attacks to justice.
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