Again, armed herders invade Benue community, shoot resident, loot shops

Residents of Ankpechi community in Benue State, Nigeria, experienced a terrifying morning on Thursday as suspected armed herdsmen invaded their village. The attackers reportedly stormed the Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, along the Otukpo-Ogobia Road, between 8am and 9am.

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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.

Panic gripped the area as the gunmen fired sporadically, forcing residents and traders to flee for safety. "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," a resident recounted. The invaders then proceeded to loot provision stores, taking goods and food items.

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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.

During the raid, one man was shot but was alive when help arrived and was rushed to the hospital. The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, confirmed the incident, identifying the attackers as suspected armed herdsmen. "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," Adole stated.

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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.

Adole informed Governor Hyacinth Alia and security agencies about the attack. Security personnel have since been deployed to the community and are combing the surrounding bushes. The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer could not be reached for comment.

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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.