Three Killed, One Missing as Suspected Herders Launch Retaliatory Attack in Benue

Tragedy struck Anwule community in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday as suspected herders launched a deadly reprisal attack that left at least three people dead and one missing. The assault followed weeks of tension over the killing of a young Fulani herder in late August.

Local sources reported that the initial crisis began when a herder was accused of grazing cattle on farmlands belonging to villagers. The confrontation turned violent, resulting in the death of the herder, whose body was never recovered. The incident sparked growing hostility between the two groups, with villagers mounting night watches and herders searching for the missing boy.

Fresh clashes reportedly erupted on Monday, leading to further losses on both sides. The renewed violence is believed to have triggered Tuesday’s coordinated attack. Witnesses said armed men invaded the community at dawn, firing indiscriminately and setting several houses ablaze.

By the time troops from the Army Forward Operating Base in Otukpo arrived, three residents — identified as Pastor Simon Nbach of the Flaming Fire Ministry, Adoya Ejigai, and Ejeh Loko — had been killed. Another resident remains missing. Security forces later assisted in recovering the bodies while terrified survivors fled to neighboring villages.

Government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Joseph Har, and the Chairman of Ohimini LGA, Gabriel Adole, visited the area shortly after the incident. They appealed for calm and assured residents of intensified security operations to prevent further attacks. Har emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring peace, stating that security agencies were already pursuing those resp

onsible.