Gunmen attacked the Udei and Nzorov communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday evening, killing at least four people and abducting several women. One person remains missing following the assault.
The victims, displaced residents who had fled earlier violence, were collecting firewood at Tse Nyamkume Village along the Yogbo-Udei Road when the attackers struck. Kenneth Gbayier, a resident of Mbalagh, was among those killed. He was reportedly ambushed along with a young man from Saawuan Gboodo Village and several women.
The attackers opened fire and used machetes. Gbayier did not survive, the women were abducted and tortured, and the young man managed to escape into the bush and has not been found.
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This attack occurred two days after another deadly ambush along Ajimaka Road, which claimed the lives of two Tiv travelers and a security officer escorting them. Another farmer was reportedly injured near the Ahentse axis of Nzorov Council Ward.
The incidents have raised concerns about the security situation, with farmlands being destroyed and food insecurity worsening in the area. Residents are advised to avoid isolated paths and rural routes.
Police Public Relations Officer Deputy Superintendent Udeme Edet stated that no official report of the attack had been received.