At least five people have been confirmed dead following a brutal attack by suspected armed herders on Ortese community along the Igyungu Aze Yogbo road in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Several others were reportedly injured, while numerous residents were abducted and taken to unknown locations by the assailants. Local sources have warned that the death toll could rise as many people remain unaccounted for, with youths in the community conducting intensive searches in surrounding bushes.
The victims whose bodies have been recovered so far include Solo Uchi from Tse Hagher, who was reportedly killed while farming; Alhaji Iorlaha from Orogbo; and Tersoo Uker from Tse Uker. Tersoo Uker, an Internally Displaced Person, had gone to Tse Avule, behind the IDP camp at Igyungu Aze, to gather grass for roofing a makeshift hut outside the congested camp.
A community member, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the attack as horrifying. “What we have witnessed is terrifying. They attacked us on Tuesday, just two days after a similar assault on Daudu where two people were killed. So far, five bodies have been recovered, but many are still missing,” the source said.
According to residents, the attackers blocked the Ortese Yogbo road and ambushed residents both on the highway and in nearby bushes as they tried to escape. A youth leader in the area added, “They completely blocked the road and started shooting. Some people were killed instantly, while others ran into the bushes and were pursued. Several residents were captured alive and taken away. It was chaos, and panic spread quickly.”
The attack has left the Ortese community in fear, with many families fleeing their homes for safety in nearby towns and villages. The discovery of additional bodies in surrounding bushes has further deepened anxiety among residents, who expressed concern over the delayed presence of security personnel.
“This is no longer safe for us. Families are running for their lives, and we do not know when the attackers might return. We are appealing to the government to urgently deploy security personnel to protect our people,” another resident lamented.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend of violence involving armed herders in Benue State, which has seen repeated attacks on rural communities in recent months. Local leaders and civil society groups have raised concerns about the growing security threats to farmers and IDP camps, especially during festive periods when movement and tensions increase.
Security experts have noted that such attacks are often well-coordinated, targeting isolated communities and exploiting weaknesses in local law enforcement and military presence. Analysts warn that without proactive security measures, including increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and community engagement, the risk of further bloodshed remains high.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding ongoing investigations or security measures in the area.
The recent attack has reignited calls from local leaders, civil society organizations, and residents for stronger security measures, better coordination among law enforcement agencies, and urgent intervention from state and federal authorities to prevent further loss of life. Community members have also emphasized the need for dialogue with herder groups to reduce hostilities and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.
As the Ortese community mourns the victims and searches for the missing, fear and uncertainty remain high. Many residents are considering temporary relocation until stability is restored. The incident highlights the urgent need for sustained efforts to address insecurity and protect rural communities in Benue State and other affected areas of Nigeria.
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