The violent attack, which took place on Tuesday, is believed to have been sparked by the alleged killing of a young Fulani herder by some villagers in late August.

According to local security reports, the incident dates back to August when tensions flared after a herder was accused of grazing cattle on farmlands belonging to locals. The confrontation turned deadly.

“They attacked the cattle, and in the process, the young boy herding them was killed,” a security source told Zagazola.

“Up till now, his body has not been found. That incident changed everything.”

After the herder’s death, unease gripped the community. Villagers, fearing revenge, mounted night watches, while the herders reportedly searched for the missing boy’s remains.

Rather than calming down, the situation deteriorated further.

On Monday, reports emerged that another clash occurred between some villagers and herders, leading to more cattle deaths and another fatality on the herders’ side.

“That second attack was the tipping point,” another source said. “Once a human life was involved again, everyone knew a reprisal was almost certain.”

By the following morning, suspected herders stormed Anwule in a coordinated attack, firing shots and setting houses ablaze. Before troops from the Army Forward Operating Base in Otukpo could intervene, three villagers identified as Simon Nbach, Adoya Ejigai, and Ejeh Loko were already dead. One other person remains unaccounted for.

Nbach, who was later confirmed to be a pastor with the Flaming Fire Ministry, was among those killed during the assault.

Security personnel later helped the community retrieve the bodies. Survivors have since fled to nearby villages, abandoning their homes and farmlands out of fear of further violence.

In the aftermath, top government officials including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Joseph Har, and the Chairman of Ohimini LGA, Mr. Gabriel Adole visited the area. They urged residents to remain calm and assured them of heightened security patrols.

“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.