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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Armed men suspected to be herdsmen have again attacked Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward of Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, shooting one resident and forcing villagers to flee their homes.
Residents raised the alarm yesterday morning, saying the community came under heavy attack by the armed assailants, who fired sporadically to create panic before looting shops.
The attackers reportedly carted away food items and other goods before security personnel intervened.
Chairman of Ohimini Local Government , Gabriel Adole, confirmed the attack, saying the gunmen invaded the community between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. yesterday.
According to him, one resident sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Adole explained that after invading the community, the armed men burgled several shops and made away with foodstuffs and other valuables before security operatives moved in to contain the situation.
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He said: “Yes, there was an attack this morning between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. by armed herdsmen. They came to Ankpechi in Oglewu Ward, shooting sporadically.
“They shot one person and the community scampered for safety. They then burgled the shops around the area and carted away goods and food items.
“That is to tell you that they live very close to us. They came to attack and take food from our communities. They cannot go to buy food, so they came to Ohimini and used force to collect food.
“The people identified them as armed herdsmen. As we speak, the person they shot has been taken to the hospital, and we are hopeful that he will survive.”
The council chairman said he had alerted Governor Hyacinth Alia, following which security personnel were immediately deployed to the community and are currently combing the surrounding bushes in search of the attackers.
The latest incident occurred barely five days after coordinated attacks on communities in Benue South, including Otukpo-Nobi, claimed the lives of 19 people, among them a youth leader.
