Tension flared in Ancha Village, near the Agan Toll Gate in the Agan Council Ward of Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, on Friday, after suspected armed herdsmen reportedly ambushed security personnel responding to distress calls from locals.

Eyewitnesses say the incident began when residents noticed a group of herders grazing cattle on cultivated farmland behind the village and immediately alerted security forces to the encroachment.

However, on reaching the area, the operatives reportedly came under sudden and heavy gunfire from the armed herders, sparking a fierce shootout. The situation caused panic among villagers, many of whom fled into nearby bushes for safety.

As of the time of filing this report, the extent of casualties or arrests remains unclear, but reinforcements were said to have been deployed to the area to forestall further violence and secure the community.