At least six people have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen in Tse Ugema Chul, Mbakesa community, Ugbaam, located in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
The attack occurred on Saturday night, forcing many residents to flee their homes for safety.
A local source, speaking anonymously to DAILY POST, revealed that seven bodies had been recovered while several others remain missing.
The violence reportedly erupted after local youths attempted to chase away cattle that had invaded their farmlands and destroyed their crops.
“While the youths were pursuing the cattle, gunmen who were hiding in ambush opened fire, killing some of them. So far, six bodies have been recovered,” the source said.
The attackers allegedly looted farm produce and set properties ablaze after killing the victims.
One of those killed was identified as Michael Adeke, who had recently posted on Facebook about the ongoing attacks by armed herdsmen and urged his community to defend themselves.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Jonathan Modi, expressed his grief while speaking from the scene of the attack. “I am in Zaki Biam right now, and I am in pain over what happened. I cannot speak further,” he said.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, CSP Catherine Anene, said she had not yet received a briefing on the incident.
This attack adds to the rising wave of violence in Benue State, which has faced repeated clashes between farmers and herders, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Tags:
Benue Attack, Fulani Herdsmen, Ukum LGA, Insecurity, Benue State Police, Community Violence