Inhabitants of the Ankpechi community in the Oglewu District of Ohimini Local Government Area in Benue State were compelled to evacuate on Thursday following an alleged incursion by armed herdsmen.
The hamlet, positioned along the Otukpo–Ogobia Road, is in proximity to Ondo-Ugboju within the Otukpo Local Government Area, where a comparable assault earlier this week resulted in one fatality and another injury.
Inhabitants informed journalist over phone that the assailants invaded the locality at 8:00 a.m., discharging firearms into the atmosphere and causing individuals to flee for refuge.
Residents reported that 1 individual suffered gunshot wounds during the assault and was promptly sent to a medical facility for care.
The perpetrators reportedly infiltrated stores and food storage units, absconding with provisions.
A local individual, who referred to himself as Adole, stated that he was at a neighbouring educational institution when chaos ensued as individuals dispersed in various directions.
After the swift action of security personnel, it was revealed that an individual had incurred severe gunshot injuries, and that armed assailants had pilfered food supplies from local stores,” he stated.
Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, verified the occurrence, stating that the assailants infiltrated Ankpechi on Thursday morning.
An assault occurred this morning between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. involving armed ranchers.
They arrived in Ankpechi, located in Oglewu Ward, discharging firearms intermittently.
They discharged a firearm at an individual, prompting the community to flee for safety.
They committed theft at the local stores and absconded with merchandise and food products.
This indicates that they reside in close proximity to us. They arrived to assault and seize provisions from our villages. They are unable to procure food, hence they arrived at Ohimini to retrieve provisions and employed coercion to obtain them.
The populace observed them; they were equipped pastoralists. At this moment, the individual who was shot has been sent to the hospital, and we remain optimistic about his survival.
Concerning the matter, I have notified the Governor, and security forces were promptly dispatched to the location. Numerous security personnel are present, while others are searching the adjacent foliage,” Adole stated.
At the moment of submitting this report, the Benue State Police Command has yet to officially verify the occurrence.
Attempts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, via phone calls and text messages proved futile.