Gunmen suspected to be armed herders have killed four people, including a church leader, in a fresh attack in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which took place along the Udei–Yogbo road, claimed the life of Vitalis Kenvanger, a leader of St. Albert Catholic Church, Abata-Yogbo, and Dogo Udam, a well-known local businessman.
According to reports, the victims were ambushed at Gyungu Azer while traveling. Their lifeless bodies were later discovered at the scene, while two others— Mr. Iorember Famja and Mama Shiaondo were declared missing.
Although Mama Shiaondo, wife of Ioryem Ike, was later released by the attackers, the whereabouts of Mr. Famja remains unknown. His family says that although his phone has been answered by the kidnappers, no ransom demand has been made, raising fears that he may have been killed.
A relative of the slain church leader, Boniface Igboji, confirmed the tragic incident, stating: “I spoke with my brother just yesterday. I didn’t know he would be killed today by these murderous Fulani jihadists.” He said the attackers even answered his late brother’s phone and told the family he was dead.
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Benue State on Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (rtd.), confirmed the attack and said a search party involving local vigilantes and security operatives was still trying to locate the missing person.
As of the time of filing this report, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had not been fully briefed but promised to give an update later.
This attack is one of many in recent times, as communities in Benue continue to suffer from frequent and deadly raids by armed herders, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and mass displacement of residents.