Tension and grief have engulfed Benue State following a violent invasion by suspected armed herdsmen on the peaceful farming community of Anwule in Oglewu, Ohimini Local Government Area. The attack, which lasted for two consecutive days, left at least four persons dead, several others seriously injured, and many residents missing.
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen stormed the community in large numbers, shooting sporadically and burning down houses and farmlands. What began as a typical Monday morning in the agrarian settlement quickly turned into chaos as terrified villagers fled for their lives, abandoning their homes and crops.
Eyewitnesses Describe a Night of Terror
Residents described the attack as “well-coordinated and brutal.” It began in the early hours of Monday, catching many people unawares. Two people were reportedly killed during the initial assault, while several others sustained bullet wounds and machete cuts.
Just when locals began to recover from the shock, the assailants returned the following day, Tuesday, killing two more people and injuring others. Survivors recounted how the attackers targeted farmers who were harvesting their crops, accusing them of taking over grazing lands meant for cattle.
A community leader narrated that the herdsmen also destroyed farmlands and food stores, leaving families without food and livelihoods. “They came with sophisticated weapons and began shooting anyone in sight. They also set fire to our barns and farm produce. It was a massacre,” he lamented.
Casualties and Displacement
As of press time, at least four people have been confirmed dead, though residents fear the death toll may rise as search efforts continue for those still missing. Dozens of people are receiving treatment for injuries in nearby health facilities, while many displaced residents have sought refuge in neighbouring communities.
The once-bustling Anwule village now lies in ruins. Charred homes, burnt crops, and abandoned properties tell the story of yet another devastating attack in Benue’s long struggle with insecurity.
Local Authorities Confirm the Incident
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Hon. Gabriel Adole, confirmed the attacks, describing the incident as “tragic and heartbreaking.” He said reports have been submitted to the state government and security agencies for immediate intervention.
Hon. Adole expressed deep concern over the rising cases of herders’ attacks in the area and called for urgent security reinforcement to prevent further loss of lives. He also appealed to humanitarian organizations and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) to assist victims who have lost everything to the invasion.
Police and Government Reaction
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer for an official comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. However, community members expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of timely response from security operatives, despite several distress calls made during the attack.
Residents are demanding an immediate government response, citing fears that the attackers might return. Many believe that without strong action from security forces, other nearby villages could become targets.
Recurring Violence in Benue State
This latest attack adds to the growing list of violent clashes between herdsmen and farming communities in Benue State, often triggered by disputes over land use, grazing routes, and destruction of farmlands.
Benue, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has for years suffered recurring violence linked to herder-farmer conflicts, leaving thousands dead and displacing countless others. Despite government efforts to enforce the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law, attacks have persisted, with rural farmers being the worst hit.
Analysts say the continuous clashes have led to severe food insecurity, disrupted farming activities, and deepened poverty among local populations who depend largely on agriculture for survival.
Voices of the Displaced
One of the survivors, a mother of three, narrated her ordeal with tears. “We were harvesting yams when they started shooting. I ran with my children into the bush, but my husband didn’t make it. We slept in the forest until the next morning,” she said.
Many others share similar stories of loss, fear, and hopelessness. Makeshift camps have begun to spring up in nearby towns where displaced families are seeking shelter. Some community members have called on the Benue State government and humanitarian agencies to provide food, medical aid, and protection.
Call for Government Intervention
Community elders and civil society groups have urged both the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to take decisive action to curb the violence. They emphasized the need for stronger security presence in rural communities and for the prosecution of those responsible for such heinous acts.
According to local sources, this is not the first attack in Oglewu District. Several previous warnings about herders encroaching on farmland had reportedly gone unheeded, sparking fears of more violence in the future if urgent steps are not taken.
Humanitarian and Security Implications
The continuous wave of attacks across Benue communities has created a humanitarian crisis, with internally displaced persons (IDPs) scattered across the state. Most victims live in overcrowded camps with limited access to food, clean water, and healthcare.
Security experts have urged the government to review its approach to tackling rural violence, noting that sporadic deployments and delayed responses have not been effective in preventing attacks.
