At least five people have been confirmed killed following a violent attack by suspected armed herders on Ortese community, located along the Igyungu Aze–Yogbo road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, December 23, left many residents injured, while others, it was gathered, were abducted and taken to undisclosed locations.
Community sources warned that the casualty figure could increase, as several people remain missing and local youths continue search efforts in surrounding bushes.
Victims of the attack were identified as Solo Uchi from Tse Hagher, who was allegedly killed while working on his farm; Alhaji Iorlaha from Orogbo; and Tersoo Uker from Tse Uker, all communities within Guma LGA.
A resident who requested anonymity recounted the ordeal, describing the attack as deeply disturbing.
“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 resident said.
It was gathered that Tersoo Uker was an Internally Displaced Person, IDP, who had gone behind the Igyungu Aze IDP camp to cut grass for roofing a makeshift shelter, following congestion at the camp.
Residents accused the assailants of mounting roadblocks along the Ortese–Yogbo axis before launching coordinated attacks on travelers and villagers hiding 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, it was learned, were taken captive during the attack, raising concerns about their safety as families continue to flee Ortese community due to escalating insecurity.
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