Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly killed several residents and left many others missing following a violent attack on Ojantele community along the Abuja–Otukpo Road in Benue State.
According to accounts gathered from locals, the assailants stormed the community in the early hours of Friday, firing sporadically at residents and causing widespread panic as people fled for safety. The attack reportedly left more than 20 people feared dead, while several others remain unaccounted for as families continue to search for missing relatives.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, believed to be heavily armed, moved through parts of the community, shooting indiscriminately and forcing villagers to abandon their homes. Some residents were said to have sustained injuries during the assault, while many others escaped into nearby bushes to avoid being caught in the violence.
The incident has thrown the community into mourning, with residents expressing fear and uncertainty over the safety of their lives and property.
Confirming the attack on Friday afternoon, the Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adams Ogwola, said authorities were still working to verify the exact number of casualties and assess the full scale of the damage caused by the attack.
Ogwola explained that security agencies had been alerted and efforts were underway to restore calm in the affected area. He also noted that local officials were collaborating with security operatives and community leaders to locate missing persons and support families affected by the tragedy.
The attack adds to the growing list of violent incidents linked to suspected herdsmen in parts of Benue State, where communities have repeatedly raised concerns about insecurity and attacks on rural settlements.
As of the time of filing this report, security personnel were said to have been deployed to the area, while residents called on both state and federal authorities to take urgent steps to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of lives.