ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Fresh fears have gripped residents of Ankpechi community in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State after suspected armed herders invaded the area on Thursday morning, shooting a resident and looting several shops in the latest wave of attacks in the state.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community in Oglewu Ward along the Otukpo-Ogobia Road between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., firing sporadically and forcing traders, customers and other residents to flee for safety.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen struck shortly after business owners opened their shops for the day, sending the community into panic.
A resident said locals had remained on high alert following recent attacks on neighbouring communities and quickly raised an alarm when the assailants were sighted.
“We have all been on the alert since the attacks on neighbouring communities. Once they were spotted, everyone started running for safety,” the source said.
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According to the resident, the attackers broke into several provision stores, carting away food items and other goods before fleeing the area.
“One man was shot during the attack but was still alive when he was rescued. He was rushed to the hospital and is currently receiving treatment,” the source added.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, identified the attackers as suspected armed herders and said the invasion underscored growing security concerns in communities within the council.
He said the assailants stormed Ankpechi community shooting indiscriminately before raiding shops and making away with food supplies.
“They burgled shops in the area and carted away goods, particularly food items. This suggests they are operating very close to our communities. Unable to get food elsewhere, they came into Ohimini and forcefully took food from our people,” Adole said.
The council chairman disclosed that he immediately alerted Governor Hyacinth Alia and security agencies after the attack, prompting the deployment of security personnel to the affected community, according to Vanguard.
“I informed the governor immediately, and security personnel were promptly deployed to the area. Many operatives are currently on the ground, while others are combing the surrounding bushes,” he added.
The latest incident comes amid renewed concerns over recurring attacks on rural communities in Benue, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to stem the violence.