A renewed wave of violence has struck Benue State as suspected armed herders killed four individuals, including a prominent church leader, in a deadly ambush along the Udei-Yogbo road in Guma Local Government Area.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday, was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Benue State on Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (rtd).
Among the victims were Mr. Vitalis Kenvanger, a respected leader of St. Albert Catholic Church in Abata, Yogbo, and a local businessman, Mr. Dogo Udam. Eyewitnesses said the victims were waylaid at Gyungu Azer while travelling in the area.
Two other passengers, identified as Mr. Iorember Famja and Mrs. Mama Shiaondo, the wife of Mr. Ioryem Ike, were reportedly abducted during the attack. While Mama Shiaondo was later released, the whereabouts of Mr. Famja remain unknown, sparking fears of a possible fatal outcome.
Family members told Daily Post that although Mr. Famja’s abductors answered his calls, they have made no ransom demands. A search operation involving local vigilantes and security personnel was launched but has so far failed to locate him.
A grieving relative of the slain church leader, Mr. Boniface Igboji, described the killing as senseless and heartbreaking. “I spoke with my brother yesterday when we were in Daudu. I never imagined that would be our last conversation. These murderous Fulani jihadists ended his life in cold blood,” he lamented.
According to Igboji, the attackers had the audacity to answer the deceased’s phone and coldly inform the family that their brother was already dead.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to receive official details of the incident but assured that an update would be provided in due course.
This latest attack adds to the growing concerns over the spate of insecurity and rising tension in the state, as communities continue to face threats from armed herders.
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