MAKURDI, Nigeria — Several people are feared dead and about 30 others have been declared missing following a fresh attack by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, in the latest wave of violence to hit Nigeria’s North-Central region.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday evening, reportedly targeted Agadagba community after an earlier assault on nearby Ochobo community, where two people were killed.
According to local sources, the suspected attackers initially attempted to invade Agadagba but were repelled by residents. However, they later returned in greater numbers and launched a renewed assault, opening fire indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee for safety.
Witnesses said the gunmen stormed the community unexpectedly, triggering panic as villagers ran into surrounding bushes to escape the attack. The assault reportedly lasted for some time before the attackers withdrew, leaving behind an undetermined number of casualties and widespread destruction.
A resident, who spoke from a hiding place after escaping the violence, said many people were killed during the attack, while dozens of others remain unaccounted for.
According to the eyewitness, the attackers fired sporadically as they entered the community, making it difficult for residents to escape safely. He added that many families became separated during the chaos, with fears growing that some of the missing may have been killed or abducted.
As of the latest reports, approximately 30 residents remain missing, although authorities have yet to confirm whether they are dead, injured or in hiding. Search efforts are expected to continue as security personnel and local volunteers attempt to account for those who fled into nearby forests and farmlands.
The latest violence has heightened fears among residents of Ohimini Local Government Area, where recurring attacks have continued to disrupt farming activities, displace families and worsen humanitarian conditions. Community members have repeatedly appealed for stronger security presence to protect vulnerable rural settlements from armed attacks.
Benue State has experienced persistent clashes involving suspected armed herdsmen and farming communities in recent years, resulting in hundreds of deaths, widespread displacement and destruction of homes and agricultural livelihoods. The violence has remained one of the state’s most pressing security challenges despite ongoing military and police operations.
Security agencies had not released an official statement on the latest attack at the time of reporting, while the exact number of fatalities remains unconfirmed. Emergency responders and local authorities are expected to carry out further assessments to establish the full extent of the casualties and damage.
The renewed attack underscores the continuing insecurity facing many communities across Benue State, with residents calling for urgent government intervention to prevent further bloodshed and restore lasting peace to affected areas. Authorities are expected to provide additional updates as rescue efforts continue and more information becomes available.
