Three feared dead as herdsmen attack Benue community

At least three people have been reportedly killed in fresh attacks by suspected militia herdsmen in communities across Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the area.

Local sources said one of the victims, identified as Terlumum Mpev, was killed in Iordye village in Nzorov Council Ward while working alone on his farm.

The latest incident came only a few days after similar attacks were recorded in Fada and Kyudan communities in Saghev Council Ward of the same local government area. During that attack, the armed men were said to have looted the communities, killed two persons and injured several others.

Terlumum younger’s brother, name withheld, confirmed the murder of his elder brother, stating that the deceased tried to stop the herders from grazing cattle on his rice farm when they attacked him with machetes.

“He was just trying to protect his farm. The herders became angry, ganged up on him, and macheted him to death. His body has been evacuated for burial,” he said.

He noted that “our people have been raising alarms over the increasing presence of herders in the area. With the high influx of herders recently, we fear more attacks are coming.

“The authorities must intervene quickly to prevent further attacks and loss of lives and properties,” he added.

Meanwhile, in Saghev Council Ward, several communities also faced coordinated attacks by the armed herders. Villages such as Fada and Kyudan were reportedly targeted, resulting in the deaths of two men.

Locals reported widespread destruction of property, including burnt residential houses and destroyed agricultural produce such as grains, yams, and groundnuts.

According to a source in the area, villages like Tse Ubagi, Tse Kyundu, Yage, and Agba were also reportedly affected.

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