Tension gripped residents of Ancha Village, near the Agan Toll Gate in Agan Council Ward, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, on Friday, following a violent ambush by suspected armed herdsmen on security operatives.

According to eyewitnesses, the violence erupted after locals raised an alarm over herders grazing cattle on cultivated farmland behind the village. Security personnel reportedly responded swiftly to the distress call, only to be met with a sudden and intense gunfire attack by the armed intruders.

A fierce gun battle ensued, triggering widespread panic and forcing residents to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.

At the time of this report, the number of casualties or arrests remains unknown, but security reinforcements have been deployed to the area to contain the situation and prevent further escalation.

This latest attack adds to the growing concerns over farmer-herder clashes in Benue, a state that has remained a hotspot for such confrontations over the years.