Gunmen attacked 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 injured.
AFRIPOST gathered that the assault occurred around 8 p.m. on Wednesday as residents gathered outside their homes.
Uzer village, situated along the Ayilamo-Tse Abi-Tse Ikyo-Tyulen federal highway, lies a short distance from Ayilamo town, an area plagued by over two decades of recurring violence.
According to eyewitness Terlumun Akombo, the attackers arrived under the cover of darkness, firing indiscriminately at villagers.
Six people died at the scene, while a severely injured mother and her child later succumbed to their wounds at Ayilamo’s Primary Healthcare Center.
The victims included Matthew Tyôkighir, Myangega, Ortamem Zwa Injo, Emmanuel Sanka, and Justina Ashe.
Another witness, James Kumaga, said security personnel were informed but arrived after the gunmen had fled the area.
Tombo ward, a farming community, has faced chronic insecurity attributed to suspected herdsmen attacks, forcing many residents to abandon their ancestral homes.
The kindreds of Mbakorya, Mbaya, Mbazaar, and Iwendyer are now nearly deserted.
Community leader Chief Tyodue Aboh appealed to the federal and state governments to provide sufficient security measures, enabling displaced farmers to safely return to their farmlands.
The Logo Divisional Police Officer confirmed the incident, noting that investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, arrangements for a mass burial of the victims were underway at the time of this report.
