Farmer Feared Killed, Several Others Missing as Suspected Herdsmen Attack Anwule Community in Benue

Farmer Feared Killed, Several Others Missing as Suspected Herdsmen Attack Anwule Community in Benue

There was palpable tension in Anwule community, Oglewu district of Ohimini Local Government Area in Benue State, following a fresh attack reportedly carried out by suspected herdsmen in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to local sources, the assailants invaded the community around midnight, shooting sporadically and setting several houses and farmlands ablaze. In the ensuing chaos, a farmer was feared killed while several other villagers remain missing as of press time.

A resident who narrowly escaped the attack recounted that the herdsmen stormed the village while most people were asleep, forcing many to flee into nearby bushes for safety. “They came with sophisticated weapons, shooting everywhere. We don’t even know how many people are missing now. One of our farmers who tried to protect his family has not been seen since the incident,” he said in tears.

The attack, which left the community in disarray, has sparked panic among neighboring villages, with many residents reportedly moving to safer locations in fear of a possible reprisal.

Local vigilante groups and security operatives were said to have been mobilized to the area to prevent further attacks, while search efforts are ongoing to locate missing persons.

When contacted, a security source confirmed the incident but said the exact number of casualties was yet to be determined. “Yes, there was an attack in Anwule community. Our men are on ground to restore calm. Details will be made public after a proper assessment,” the source added.

The latest attack adds to the growing wave of insecurity in parts of Benue State, where farmers and herders’ clashes have repeatedly resulted in loss of lives and displacement of rural dwellers.

Meanwhile, community leaders have called on the state government and security agencies to intervene urgently to forestall further bloodshed and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.