Herdsmen hit Idomaland again: Pastor, others unalive in attacks on Ohimini, Ado LGAs

Idomaland is once again reeling from violence as suspected herders launched deadly attacks on communities in Ohimini and Ado Local Government Areas of Benue State. The latest reprisal, which occurred on Tuesday, left a pastor and two other villagers dead, while several residents remain missing.

The attacks were reportedly triggered by the alleged murder of a Fulani herder in late August. Security sources revealed that tensions escalated after villagers accused the young herder of grazing cattle on their farmland, leading to his death.

“They attacked the cattle, and in the process, the young boy herding them was killed,” a security source told Zagazola. “Up till now, his body has not been found. That incident changed everything.”

Following the herder’s death, anxiety gripped the communities. Villagers reportedly kept night vigils to anticipate possible retaliation, while herders launched a desperate search for the boy’s body. The situation deteriorated further after another violent encounter on Monday, in which villagers allegedly attacked herders, killing more cattle and a Fulani herder.

By Tuesday morning, revenge struck. Gunmen stormed Anwule community, shooting sporadically and setting homes ablaze. Among the victims was Pastor Simon Nbach of the Flaming Fire Ministry. Two other villagers, Adoya Ejigai and Ejeh Loko, were also killed. One resident is still missing, sparking fears that more lives may have been lost.

Troops from the Army Forward Operating Base in Otukpo intervened to recover the bodies and reinforce security. Survivors have fled to neighbouring towns, abandoning their homes and farmlands in fear of further attacks.

In the aftermath, senior government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Joseph Har, and the Chairman of Ohimini LGA, Mr. Gabriel Adole, visited the affected communities. They appealed for calm and promised increased surveillance to prevent further violence.

“We understand the grief and fear, but peace must be maintained. Security agencies are already on the trail of the perpetrators,” Har told community leaders.