Residents of a rural community in Benue State are feared dead or missing after suspected armed herders launched an attack on Ojantele community along the Abuja–Otukpo Road.
According to local sources, the incident occurred on Friday when heavily armed attackers reportedly stormed Ojantele and began shooting, sending residents into panic as people fled their homes in search of safety.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived in large numbers and fired repeatedly into the community. Many villagers were forced to run into nearby bushes and surrounding areas to escape the sudden violence.
Initial reports from the area suggest that more than 20 people may have lost their lives during the attack. However, officials say the exact number of casualties and missing persons has not yet been confirmed.
The chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adams Ogwola, confirmed the incident and stated that authorities are still assessing the situation.
According to him, security personnel have been deployed to the affected community to restore calm and prevent further attacks while efforts continue to determine the full impact of the incident.
Residents along the busy Abuja–Otukpo Road say they remain on edge as authorities work to stabilize the area.