Suspected armed herders have reportedly killed three local residents during a sudden attack that left a farming community in shock and deep mourning.
The assault, which targeted men working on their fields, has intensified fears among villagers who say they are now afraid to return to their farmlands.
The victims were identified as Henry Atsar, 30; Kwaghkaa Francis, 35; and Ngutsen Tyokuu, 40, all of whom were engaged in routine farming activities when they were ambushed.
A woman who was with them during the attack escaped unharmed, however, community members described her survival as “a narrow brush with death”.
The attack occurred in Goh village, located in the Naka area of Benue State. Local sources said the men were tending their crops when suspected herder bandits opened fire without warning. The assailants reportedly fled the scene immediately afterwards.
Security operatives later recovered the corpses, photographed them for documentation, and moved them to a nearby mortuary.
A senior local security officer explained that investigators have intensified efforts to identify and apprehend the attackers.
“We are following several leads and will ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” the officer said.
Residents told reporters that recurring attacks have disrupted farming activities and heightened tension across surrounding settlements.
A village elder warned that communities “cannot survive constant violence on their farmland”, adding that authorities must step up preventive measures.
The Benue State government is yet to issue an official statement, but security patrols around Naka and adjoining communities have reportedly been reinforced.
Moreover, locals remain hopeful that swift action will prevent further bloodshed and restore calm to the area.