Panic has gripped Anwule community in Oglewu, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, following a brutal attack by suspected herdsmen that left several villagers feared dead and many others missing.
The attack, which reportedly occurred while farmers were working on their farmlands, saw the assailants descend on the community armed with machetes and other deadly weapons. Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos as the attackers struck without warning, killing and injuring residents who were unable to flee.
The violent assault forced villagers to abandon their homes and farmlands, seeking refuge in nearby communities for safety. Many displaced families are now taking shelter in makeshift camps, while others remain unaccounted for.
The incident adds to a growing wave of violence in Benue State, where communities in Ohimini, Gwer, and Agatu local government areas have faced repeated attacks by suspected herdsmen in recent months. The state, known as the “food basket of the nation,” has long struggled with clashes between farming communities and armed herders over land and grazing rights.
Local security sources say that a joint team of security operatives has been deployed to the area to restore order and search for missing persons. However, residents have expressed fear of renewed attacks, calling on both state and federal authorities to take urgent action to secure their communities and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The latest violence once again highlights the persistent insecurity faced by agrarian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where recurring clashes continue to claim lives, destroy livelihoods, and displace thousands.
