Residents of Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, fled for safety on Thursday morning after suspected armed herdsmen reportedly attacked the area, injured one person and looted several provision stores.
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‎According to community sources, the assailants invaded the community along the Otukpo-Ogobia Road between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., firing gunshots into the air and causing panic among traders, customers and other residents.
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‎A resident said business activities had just begun when the attackers appeared unexpectedly and opened fire indiscriminately.
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‎The source explained that the community had remained vigilant following recent attacks on neighbouring settlements, prompting residents to quickly raise the alarm and flee when the gunmen were sighted.
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‎The attackers were said to have broken into shops and made away with food items and other goods before leaving the area. One resident sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
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‎Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, described the attackers as suspected armed herdsmen.
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‎He said the gunmen stormed Ankpechi community between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., shooting sporadically, injuring one resident and forcing people to abandon their businesses and run for safety.
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‎Adole added that the attackers looted several shops, taking away mainly food items, which, according to him, suggested they were operating close to the community and resorted to force to obtain supplies.
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‎He disclosed that the injured victim had been taken to hospital and expressed optimism that he would recover.
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‎The council chairman also said he promptly informed Governor Hyacinth Alia and security agencies about the attack, noting that security operatives had since been deployed to the affected community.