Suspected armed herders have attacked Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving one resident injured and looting several provision stores.
The attackers reportedly invaded the community on Thursday morning along the Otukpo-Oweto-Abuja Road, firing sporadically and causing panic as residents, traders and customers fled for safety.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, said the assailants, believed to be armed herders, struck between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., shooting one person before breaking into shops and making away with food items and other goods.
According to Adole, the nature of the attack suggests the assailants were operating close to the community and targeted the area in search of food supplies.
He added that residents identified the attackers as armed herders, while the injured victim has been taken to a hospital and is receiving treatment.
The latest attack comes amid continued security concerns in parts of Benue State, where communities have repeatedly come under assault from suspected armed herders.
