Fresh violence has gripped a rural Benue community after gunmen believed to be herdsmen carried out a deadly assault that left at least five young residents dead, deepening fears over the resurgence of attacks in the area.
Accounts from the community indicated that the attackers mounted a roadblock along a major route linking several settlements, where they reportedly ambushed unsuspecting residents and shot them at close range.
Hence, the victims were said to have died instantly, with no opportunity to flee.
Moreover, locals disclosed that several people were seized during the operation and taken away to unknown locations, raising concerns over possible abductions.
Families of the missing were said to be anxiously searching for information about their loved ones.
Speaking on the incident, a community leader, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the attack had thrown the area into panic.
“People are afraid to move freely because nobody knows where the next attack will come from,” he said.
Furthermore, residents revealed that more bodies were being discovered in surrounding bushes and farmlands, suggesting that the casualty figure could rise.
This development has heightened tension and forced many villagers to flee their homes for safety.
The attack occurred in Ortese, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, an axis that has witnessed repeated clashes in recent years.
However, no official casualty figure has been confirmed by authorities.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue a formal statement on the killings.
Nonetheless, a security source said investigations were ongoing and efforts were being intensified to stabilise Ortese and neighbouring communities.