From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
At least four people were allegedly killed on Monday night following an attack on Abaushwa village in Nzorov Council Ward, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, by suspected armed herdsmen.
Nzorov is the home ward of former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom.
According to local sources, the assailants invaded the quiet community around midnight, breaking into homes and attacking residents in their sleep.
It was gathered that three victims died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries at the General Hospital in Gbajimba.
Our correspondent reports that several villagers remain missing, with search parties currently combing surrounding areas.
Visiting the community alongside former Governor Ortom, a prominent native and former Executive Secretary of the Benue State Teaching Service Board (TSB), Dr. Frank Kyungun, condemned the assault as barbaric. He noted that the community had long taken deliberate steps to avoid conflict including banning the sale and consumption of beef locally making the said killings deeply painful.
He urged residents to remain calm while law enforcement investigates.
Guma LGA Chairman Maurice Orwough also denounced the attack as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
In a statement released by his media aide, Ernest Tortiv, Orwough extended condolences to the victims’ families and confirmed that additional security personnel have been deployed to Abaushwa to restore order, protect lives, and prevent further incursions.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the casualty toll.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Peter Aondongu, stated that an investigation is underway and security forces are actively working to track down and arrest the perpetrators.
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