At least three people have been confirmed dead and another declared missing after suspected herders carried out a reprisal attack on Anwule community in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

The violent incident, which occurred on Tuesday, is believed to be retaliation for the alleged killing of a young Fulani herder by local farmers in late August.

According to local security sources, tensions first erupted months ago when a herder was reportedly caught grazing cattle on farmlands belonging to villagers, leading to a confrontation that turned deadly.

“They attacked the cattle, and in the process, the young boy herding them was killed,” a security source told Zagazola. “His body was never recovered. That incident changed everything.”

Since then, the community had been on edge. Villagers organized night watches in fear of retaliation, while herders were said to be searching for the missing boy’s remains.

The situation escalated again on Monday, when another clash reportedly occurred between some villagers and herders, resulting in the deaths of several cattle and another herder.

“That second killing was the tipping point,” another source explained. “Once another life was lost, everyone knew revenge was coming.”

By Tuesday morning, suspected herders launched a coordinated attack on Anwule, shooting indiscriminately and setting houses ablaze. Before soldiers from the Army Forward Operating Base in Otukpo could arrive, three villagers—Simon Nbach, Adoya Ejigai, and Ejeh Loko—had been killed. One more person remains missing.

Among the victims, Nbach, a local pastor with the Flaming Fire Ministry, was confirmed dead at the scene.

Security operatives later helped recover the bodies, while survivors fled to neighboring communities, abandoning their homes and farmlands amid fears of renewed violence.

Following the attack, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Joseph Har, and the Chairman of Ohimini LGA, Mr. Gabriel Adole, visited the area to assess the situation and appeal for calm.

“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.

Authorities have since intensified patrols in the area to prevent further clashes as investigations continue.