Amanze Chinonye
At least seven people have been confirmed dead following a sustained two-day attack by suspected armed herders on Anwuel village in the Oglewu district of Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community on Monday and continued into Tuesday, killing two persons on the first day and five more during the follow-up assault.
The invaders reportedly carried sophisticated weapons and set several houses ablaze, forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
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Chairman of Ohimini Local Government, Adole Gabriel, confirmed the incident, saying security personnel from Operation Whirl Stroke had been deployed to the area to restore calm.
“It was a devastating attack that lasted two days. Seven persons were killed, and many others sustained injuries. The situation is now under control as security has been reinforced,” he told journalists.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the attackers struck at dawn, targeting farmers and residents in their homes. “They came in large numbers, shooting sporadically. We ran for our lives; some people are still missing,” one survivor said.
The community has since been deserted as many residents continue to take refuge in neighbouring villages and towns.
While local authorities confirmed the fatalities, there has been no official statement from the Benue State Police Command as of press time. Conflicting reports from other sources suggest the number of victims could be higher, with many still unaccounted for.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent clashes between suspected herders and farming communities across Benue State, despite the state government’s enforcement of the Anti-Open Grazing Law.
Civil society groups and local leaders have condemned the renewed violence, urging both state and federal authorities to take stronger action to protect rural dwellers and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Benue, often referred to as Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” has suffered repeated communal and herder-related attacks in recent years, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
