No fewer than five people have been confirmed dead following a renewed 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, also left several residents injured, while many others were reportedly abducted and taken to unknown locations. Local sources warned that the casualty figure may rise as several residents remain missing, with youths currently combing nearby bushes in search of survivors.
Among the victims already recovered are Solo Uchi from Tse Hagher, who was reportedly killed while working on his farm; Iorlaha from Orogbo; and Tersoo Uker from Tse Uker, all communities within Guma LGA.
A community member, who spoke anonymously, described the situation as dire. “What we have seen is frightening. This attack happened just two days after the Daudu incident where two people were killed. Five bodies have been recovered so far, but many people are still unaccounted for,” the source said.
Tersoo Uker was said to be an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) who had gone to Tse Avule, behind the Igyungu Aze IDP camp, to gather grass for roofing a makeshift shelter outside the overcrowded camp when he was killed.
Residents said the attackers blocked the Ortese–Yogbo road, ambushing motorists and pedestrians while also chasing fleeing victims into surrounding bushes. “They blocked the road completely and started shooting. Some people were killed instantly, while others ran into the bushes where they were pursued,” a youth leader alleged.
Several residents were reportedly captured alive and taken away by the assailants, heightening fears over their safety. The attack has thrown the Ortese community into panic, forcing many residents to flee their homes amid worsening insecurity.
The discovery of additional bodies in nearby bushes has further intensified fear in the area. “Our people are no longer safe. Families are leaving because we don’t know when the attackers will strike again,” a resident lamented.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Credit: Vanguard
