The violence, which took place Tuesday along the Igyungu Aze–Yogbo Road, left several others injured and an unconfirmed number of residents abducted.
At least five people have been confirmed dead following an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on the Ortese community in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State.
The violence, which took place Tuesday along the Igyungu Aze–Yogbo Road, left several others injured and an unconfirmed number of residents abducted.
According to Vanguard, local sources identify three of the victims as Solo Uchi, Alhaji Iorlaha, and Tersoo Uker.
Residents fear the death toll may rise as local youths continue to search nearby bushes for those still missing.
One community member described the scene as "horrifying," noting that many villagers remain unaccounted for.
“What we have seen so far is frightening. They attacked us on Tuesday, just two days after a similar attack on Daudu where two persons were killed,” the source said.
“So far, five bodies have been recovered, but we believe more may still be found because several people are unaccounted for.”
Among the victims was Tersoo Uker, an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) who had ventured behind the Igyungu Aze camp to gather grass for roofing.
Like many others, Uker was attempting to build a temporary shelter to escape the severe overcrowding within the camp.
Local residents reported that the attackers staged a coordinated ambush, barricading the Ortese–Yogbo road to target commuters and those in nearby bushes.
"They blocked the road and opened fire immediately," a local youth leader stated.
"Some were killed instantly, while others were pursued as they fled into the brush."
The abduction of several residents has sparked deep concern for their safety, prompting a mass exodus from the Ortese community.