At least five people were feared killed on Tuesday after suspected armed herders launched a fresh attack on Ortese community along the Igyungu Aze–Yogbo road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Several residents were injured during the assault, while many others were reportedly abducted and taken to unknown locations. Community sources said the number of casualties could increase, as a number of people are still missing. Youths in the area have begun search efforts in nearby bushes in hopes of locating survivors or recovering bodies.
Among those confirmed dead are Solo Uchi from Tse Hagher, who was killed while working on his farm; Iorlaha from Orogbo; and Tersoo Uker from Tse Uker, all within Guma LGA. A resident, who requested anonymity, described the incident as horrifying, noting that the attack came barely two days after a similar assault in Daudu that claimed two lives.
According to the source, five bodies have been recovered so far, but several people remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll may rise.
It was gathered that Tersoo Uker was an internally displaced person who had left the IDP camp at Igyungu Aze to collect grass for roofing a small shelter outside the camp due to overcrowding.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers blocked the Ortese–Yogbo road and ambushed residents on the highway and in surrounding bushes. As people attempted to escape, they were chased and attacked, with some killed instantly and others captured alive and taken away.
The incident has triggered widespread panic in Ortese, forcing many families to flee their homes amid growing concerns about safety. Residents also reported discovering more bodies in nearby bushes, further deepening fear within the community.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful, as he could not be reached at the time of reporting.
