By Sar Terver
At least four people have been confirmed killed by armed group suspected to be herdsmen on the farming community of Anwule in Oglewu District, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
An unspecified number of persons are reported missing during a raid on the Community, residents, the assailants launched two separate attacks that have heightened tension.
The first on Monday and a follow-up assault on Tuesday afternoon, during which they targeted farmers working on their plots.
“They killed two men on Monday, and another two on Tuesday afternoon. People are still missing. Around 5 p.m. today they came again into the village. We are living in fear”, a source from the area gave insight.
Confirming the incident, the Local Government Chairman of Ohimini, Gabriel Adole, told reporters that the matter has been reported to the state government and relevant security agencies.
“Four people were killed between Monday and Tuesday by armed herders. The government has already deployed security personnel to the area,” he said.
Contacted for comment, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, did not respond to calls or messages.
It has been gathered that several victims were seriously injured and many are still unaccounted for following the two-day attacks.
Witnesses say the perpetrators, believed to be herders, stormed the community wielding knives and firearms and moved with impunity across the farmlands.
With residents fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in neighbouring settlements, the sense of urgency for enhanced security presence is growing.
One of the sources lamented: “They want to destroy all our harvests after we toiled to plant our crops — only for them to drive their cattle over our farms and drive us away.”
Local farmers and community leaders are now appealing for swift and decisive action from state and federal agencies to stem the violence and prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods.
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