Ohimini Local Government Area, Benue State — November 5, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
At least more than seven persons have been confirmed killed in a sustained two-day attack on Anwuel village, Oglewu District in the Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected Islamic armed herdsmen.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government, Adole Gabriel, who confirmed the incident Wednesday, said the attackers struck on two consecutive days, leaving behind scenes of horror and destruction.
He explained that “more persons were killed yesterday, and the governor has sent his special adviser on security along with troops to contain the attacks. He added: “We visited the scene at Angwuel, where soldiers of Operation Whirl Stroke had also been stationed, but the herders returned in a Gestapo operation on Tuesday evening to attack the Christian community again, killing five additional persons.
Condemning the renewed violence in the Christian community, Gabriel described the killings as “unprovoked and barbaric,” noting that the once peaceful settlement had now been deserted. Many residents have fled for safety. We have, however, drafted additional security personnel to restore peace and prevent further attacks,” he said.
The killings have sparked widespread outrage on social media, with residents and civil society groups condemning the rising spate of attacks on farming Christian communities in Benue. Many have called for stronger action from the federal government and international support to end the incessant bloodshed in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” has for years been a hotspot in the escalating conflict between armed herdsmen and farming communities. Thousands of residents have been killed and villages destroyed in repeated attacks that have ravaged the state for decades. The state government’s Anti-Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, which restricts open grazing and promotes ranching, is often cited in connection to reprisals from herding groups.
Despite the establishment of Operation Whirl-Stroke, a joint military task force deployed to the region in 2018, attacks have persisted in local government areas such as Guma, Gwer West, Logo, Agatu and now Ohimini.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies in the state had not released a detailed public statement on the incident.