Five feared dead, several injured as suspected herders launch fresh attack on Ortese community in Benue

By Johnson Arua

No fewer than five persons were feared killed on Tuesday following a fresh attack by suspected armed herders on Ortese community along the Igyungu Aze–Yogbo road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack, which threw the community into panic, also left several residents injured, while many others were reportedly abducted and taken to unknown destinations by the assailants.

Local sources said the death toll might rise as a number of residents were still missing, with youths of the area continuing search operations in nearby bushes and farmlands.

Those whose bodies had so far been recovered were identified as Solo Uchi from Tse Hagher, who was reportedly killed on his farm, Alhaji Iorlaha from Orogbo, and Tersoo Uker from Tse Uker, all communities within Guma Local Government Area.

A resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as horrific, noting that it occurred barely two days after a similar attack on Daudu community where two persons were killed.

“What we have seen so far is frightening,” the source said. “They attacked us on Tuesday, just two days after they attacked Daudu where they killed two persons. So far, five bodies have been recovered, but we believe more bodies may still be found because several people are unaccounted for.”

It was gathered that one of the victims, Tersoo Uker, was an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) who had gone to Tse Avule, behind the IDP camp at Igyungu Aze, to cut grass for roofing a makeshift hut outside the camp due to congestion.

Residents alleged that the attackers barricaded the Ortese-Yogbo road and ambushed victims both on the highway and in surrounding bushes as people attempted to escape.

“They blocked the road completely and started shooting,” a youth leader in the area alleged. “Some people were killed on the spot, while others ran into the bushes where they were pursued.”

According to community members, several residents were captured alive and taken away by the attackers, heightening fears over their safety and whereabouts.

The attack has further worsened insecurity in Ortese, forcing many residents to flee their homes in search of safety, especially following reports of additional bodies discovered in nearby bushes.

“Our people are no longer safe here,” the source lamented. “Families are running away because we do not know when the attackers will return.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Benue State Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident, saying security had been reinforced in the area.

“Police presence has been intensified, more tactical teams have been deployed and are currently on the ground,” Edet said. “Efforts are being intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects, while investigations are ongoing.”