Benue, Nigeria – Panic erupted in Ancha Village, near the Agan Toll Gate in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, following a violent ambush by suspected armed herdsmen on Friday.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) has learned that the attack occurred when security operatives responded to distress calls from villagers who reported herders grazing cattle on farmlands.
Eyewitnesses said the herdsmen were spotted on cultivated land behind the village, prompting locals to alert nearby security forces.
However, the responding officers were reportedly met with sudden and intense gunfire upon arrival at the scene.
A fierce gun battle ensued between the operatives and the armed attackers, sending shockwaves through the community.
Terrified residents, including women and children, fled into nearby bushes to escape the crossfire.
As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties remains unknown, and it is not yet clear whether any arrests have been made.
Security reinforcements were swiftly deployed to the area in a bid to restore calm and prevent further violence.
Local sources say this is not the first time such an incident has occurred around the Agan axis, a region already grappling with recurrent clashes between farmers and herders.
Tensions remain high in Makurdi, with residents calling for increased military presence and decisive action from the state government.
Community leaders and human rights activists have condemned the attack and urged security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation.
The Benue State Police Command has not issued an official statement at the time of filing this report.
Benue State, commonly referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has for years suffered devastating herder-farmer conflicts that have claimed thousands of lives.
The Agan Council Ward, in particular, has witnessed multiple attacks in the past, often resulting in mass displacements and destruction of farmland.
Friday’s ambush underscores the lingering security crisis in the region and the urgent need for long-term solutions to protect rural communities.
DDM will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as further information becomes available.
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