Popular Pastor killed in latest herdsmen attack on Benue community

Anwule village in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State was plunged into fear and mourning yesterday following a deadly attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen, leaving three people dead and several others missing.

Among the victims was Ekesi Ngbachi of Otobi Akpa, later identified as a pastor of the Flaming Fire Ministry, who was caught in the attack while attending to community duties. Other confirmed victims include Adoya Ejigai and Ejeh Loko. Security sources say one resident is still missing, raising fears that more lives may have been lost.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of terror as the gunmen invaded the community, shooting sporadically and burning homes. Survivors fled to neighboring villages, abandoning their farmlands and homes. A Catholic Church in the village was also reportedly torched during the assault.

The attacks are reportedly linked to a previous incident in late August, when a young Fulani herder was allegedly killed by villagers over disputes about grazing on farmland. Security sources say tensions escalated after a subsequent attack by villagers on herders, leaving another herder dead, prompting the deadly reprisal.

Troops from the Army Forward Operating Base in Otukpo later responded, recovering the bodies and reinforcing security in the area. 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 community to appeal for calm and promised heightened surveillance.

“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.