Fresh violence has shaken Benue State as suspected armed herders launched a deadly assault on Ortese community in Guma Local Government Area, leaving no fewer than five people feared dead and several others injured or missing.
The attack occurred along the Igyungu Aze–Yogbo road, where residents said gunmen stormed thep
Parea, opening fire on farmers, travellers and villagers going about their daily activities.
Many residents were reportedly abducted and taken to unknown locations, heightening fears over their safety.
Local sources said the number of casualties may increase, as several residents are still unaccounted for, prompting youths in the community to conduct search operations in nearby bushes and farmlands.
Among those confirmed dead are Solo Uchi from Tse Hagher, who was killed on his farm; Iorlaha from Orogbo; and Tersoo Uker from Tse Uker, all communities within Guma LGA. Community members described the scenes as gruesome and distressing.
A resident, who requested anonymity, said the attack came barely two days after another deadly incident in Daudu, where two people were killed. “What we are witnessing is terrifying. Five bodies have been recovered so far, but many people are still missing. We fear more bodies may be found,” the resident said.
One of the victims, Tersoo Uker, was said to be an Internally Displaced Person who had gone to Tse Avule, behind the IDP camp at Igyungu Aze, to cut grass for roofing a temporary hut outside the camp due to overcrowding.
Also Read: Herdsmen strike again, kill scores in Benue State
Eyewitnesses said the attackers blocked the Ortese–Yogbo road, trapping victims and shooting indiscriminately.
Some residents were killed instantly, while others fled into nearby bushes, where they were chased and attacked.
A youth leader in the area alleged that several residents were captured alive and forcefully taken away by the attackers. Their whereabouts remain unknown, sparking concern among families and community leaders.
The incident has triggered panic and mass displacement in Ortese, with many residents fleeing their homes for fear of further attacks. Reports of additional bodies discovered in surrounding bushes have worsened the atmosphere of fear.
“Our people no longer feel safe here. Families are running away because nobody knows when these attackers will return,” a community member lamented.
Efforts to get a response from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.
Vanguard News
