Five Killed, Several Kidnapped In Fresh Benue Attack

No fewer than five people have been confirmed dead following a fresh attack by suspected armed herders on Ortese community along the Igyungu Aze–Yogbo road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, left several residents injured, while others were reportedly abducted and taken to unknown locations. Local sources said the death toll may rise, as some residents are still missing and youths are searching nearby bushes.

Those killed were identified as Solo Uchi from Tse Hagher, who was reportedly murdered on his farm; Alhaji Iorlaha from Orogbo; and Tersoo Uker from Tse Uker, all within Guma LGA.

A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as horrifying. “What we have seen so far is frightening. They attacked us on Tuesday, just two days after a similar attack on Daudu where two persons were killed. So far, five bodies have been recovered, but we believe more may still be found because several people are unaccounted for,” the source said.

Tersoo Uker was said to be an Internally Displaced Person who had gone behind the IDP camp at Igyungu Aze to gather grass for roofing a temporary shelter due to congestion in the camp.

Residents alleged that the attackers barricaded the Ortese–Yogbo road and ambushed victims on the highway and in nearby bushes. “They blocked the road completely and started shooting. Some people were killed on the spot, while others ran into the bushes where they were pursued,” a youth leader claimed.

Several residents were reportedly captured alive, heightening fears over their safety and whereabouts. The attack has forced many families to flee Ortese community amid worsening insecurity.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.