At least five people have been reported dead, and many are missing following an attack by suspected armed herders on the Ortese community in the Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. The attack occurred along the Igyungu Aze-Yogbo road. Several residents were also injured, and others were reportedly abducted.
Local sources indicate the death toll could rise as many residents are still missing, and youths are conducting search operations. Some recovered bodies have been identified as Solo Uchi from Tse Hagher, Iorlaha from Orogbo, and Tersoo Uker from Tse Uker, all within the Guma LGA. One of the victims, Tersoo Uker, was an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) seeking materials to build a shelter outside the IDP camp due to overcrowding.
Residents reported that the attackers blocked the Ortese-Yogbo road, ambushing people on the highway and in the bushes. A youth leader claimed the attackers shot people on the spot and pursued others into the bushes. The community is in panic, with residents fleeing their homes due to worsening insecurity. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, has not been available for comment.
