Panic Erupts as Six Lives are Lost in Benue Village Attack

In a disturbing incident, armed assailants have killed six people in Uzer village, located in the Tombo ward of the Gaambetiev Local Government Area in Benue State.

This tragedy unfolded on Wednesday night at approximately 8 p.m. while locals were settling into their homes for the evening.

Uzer village lies just four minutes away from Ayilamo town, an area that has been repeatedly targeted by armed groups for over two decades.

Survivor Terlumun Akombo, who escaped the assault, recounted through a phone call to The Nation that villagers were relaxing outside their homes when gunfire erupted.

During the chaos, the attackers, taking advantage of the night, opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in several fatalities.

Authorities later discovered six bodies, and a woman along with her child, both seriously injured, died from their wounds at the Ayilamo Primary Health Center. The deceased have been identified as Sir Matthew Tyôkighir, Mrs. Myangega, Ortamem Zwa Injo, Mr. Emmanuel Sanka, and Mrs. Justina Ashe.

Another witness, James Kumaga, mentioned that security forces were notified from Ayilamo, but the attackers fled the scene before help arrived.

According to The Nation, the Tombo ward, primarily a farming region, has experienced ongoing security challenges for more than 20 years, predominantly due to suspected herdsmen attacks that have forced residents from their homes.

Tombo ward, which includes Mbakorya, Mbaya, Mbazaar, and Iwendyer communities, is now largely abandoned, with many locals living in fear of further assaults.

Community leader Chief Tyodue Aboh has called on both federal and state authorities to ensure security for farmers, facilitating their return to agriculture.

The Logo Divisional Police Officer has verified the attack and reported that an investigation is underway.

At the time of reporting, plans were being made for a mass burial for those who lost their lives in the attack.