At least three people have been killed in fresh attacks by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen on communities in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State. The attacks, which occurred between Friday and Saturday, July 25–26, 2026, also left at least two persons injured, while several cows were rustled and a motorcycle stolen.
Attack on Elulu and Agadagba Communities
Chairman of Ohimini LGA, Gabriel Adole, confirmed the incidents on Sunday, July 26. He stated that the gunmen first struck Elulu community on Friday, where one person was killed and another attacked before his Bajaj motorcycle was taken away. The same group later invaded Agadagba community in an attempt to rustle cattle but met resistance from residents and local vigilantes, who reportedly shot one of the attackers in the leg, forcing the group to retreat without the livestock.
The attackers returned to Agadagba on Saturday and killed two more residents, bringing the death toll from the attacks to three. “So far, three lives have been lost to the attacks. Two persons who were injured, including the owner of the stolen motorcycle and another victim attacked during the cattle rustling incident, are receiving treatment in the hospital,” Adole said.
Security Deployment and Vigilante Mobilization
Adole said security personnel had since been deployed to the affected communities, while local vigilantes had also been mobilized to complement security efforts in tracking the attackers. He noted that Governor Hyacinth Alia had directed the mobilization of community vigilantes to strengthen security, expressing confidence that the perpetrators would not be allowed to force residents out of their ancestral homes. “Our vigilantes are on the ground because they can access areas that are difficult for conventional security operatives. We will not allow these marauders to drive us out of our land,” the chairman added.
Separate Attacks in Ugboju
Meanwhile, residents said armed men also attacked Ogoli and Igblagidi in Ugboju on Saturday in separate incidents, where three persons, including a cattle owner, sustained gunshot injuries, while several cows were rustled.
