Herdsmen raid Benue community, kill ranch owner and vigilante

A ranch owner and a vigilante member died during an early morning raid by suspected armed cattle rustlers in Okpafie community, Benue State, Nigeria. The attackers, believed to be herders, also made off with approximately 50 cows.

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The armed herdsmen sneaked into the village at about 1am when many of the youths were at a viewing centre watching the ongoing World Cup matches. They attacked the home of Benjamin, who owned a ranch, killed him, and then moved about 50 cattle out of the ranch. The animals followed them.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Thursday when the gunmen stormed a ranch, fatally shooting the owner, identified as Benjamin. A community source noted that the attackers exploited the presence of young men gathered at a viewing center for World Cup matches, using the distraction to carry out their assault.

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The sound of the gunfire alerted the youths and members of the local vigilante. As the attackers attempted to escape, the vigilantes confronted them, but one of the vigilante members was shot dead while the criminals fled with the cattle toward neighbouring communities.

As the attackers attempted to flee with the stolen cattle, local vigilantes confronted them. A gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of one vigilante member. The remaining suspects escaped with the cattle, heading towards neighboring communities.

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Some cattle rustlers came around 1am this morning to Okpafie village in Okonobo Council Ward. They were about 12 in number and were all heavily armed with AK-47 rifles.

Adah Inalegwu, the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area, confirmed the attack, stating that about 12 heavily armed men carried out the raid. He mentioned that the cattle owner had previously repelled similar attempts, but this time, the attackers neutralized him before taking the cows. Security operatives, including the police and army, are actively pursuing the suspects, who are thought to be hiding in the bush. Inalegwu also indicated plans to establish a standby security team to enhance community protection.

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The owner of the cattle was asleep when they attacked him. They had made several attempts in the past, but he had always repelled them. This time, they neutralised him first before taking the cows.