JUST IN: Six Killed in Fresh Attack on Benue Village

By: Bayero Ade

Gunmen launched a deadly assault on Uzer village in Tombo ward, Gaambetiev Local Government Area of Benue State, killing six people, including a mother and her child, and leaving several others wounded.

According to Afripost, the attack took place around 8 p.m. on Wednesday when villagers were gathered outside their homes. Uzer village, located along the Ayilamo-Tse Abi-Tse Ikyo-Tyulen federal highway, is not far from Ayilamo town, an area that has been plagued by violence for over 20 years.

Eyewitness Terlumun Akombo described how the attackers arrived under the cover of darkness, firing indiscriminately at the residents. Six people were confirmed dead at the scene, while a critically injured mother and her child later died at the Primary Healthcare Center in Ayilamo.

The victims included Matthew Tyôkighir, Myangega, Ortamem Zwa Injo, Emmanuel Sanka, and Justina Ashe.

James Kumaga, another witness, reported that security forces were alerted but arrived after the gunmen had already fled the area.

The Tombo ward community, primarily agricultural, has been suffering from recurring insecurity, often attributed to suspected herdsmen attacks. Many residents have been forced to abandon their homes, leaving areas like Mbakorya, Mbaya, Mbazaar, and Iwendyer nearly deserted.

Chief Tyodue Aboh, a community leader, appealed to both the federal and state governments to improve security measures, allowing displaced farmers to return to their lands safely.

The Logo Divisional Police Officer confirmed the incident and stated that investigations were underway. Meanwhile, preparations were being made for a mass burial of the victims.