Two persons have been killed and more than 40 cows rustled following an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Okpafe community in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack, which occurred on Wednesday night at Oyilawu in Okonobo Ward, also claimed the life of a local vigilante member who reportedly confronted the attackers as they fled with the stolen cattle.

Residents of Okpafe community in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State are mourning after suspected armed herdsmen reportedly attacked the area on Wednesday night, killing two people and making away with more than 40 cows.

The attack occurred at Oyilawu in Okonobo Ward.

One of the victims was identified by residents as Mr. Benjamin, while the second victim, a member of the local vigilante group, was reportedly killed at Aidogodo while attempting to stop the attackers from escaping with the stolen livestock.

Local sources, who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, said many young people in the community were watching a FIFA Club World Cup match when the attackers struck, delaying an organised response.
The incident comes only days after another deadly attack in Sai community of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, where suspected armed herdsmen reportedly killed several residents, injured others and destroyed houses.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not released an official statement confirming the incident or providing casualty figures.

The latest attack adds to growing concerns over recurring insecurity affecting several communities across Benue State, with residents continuing to call for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.