At least two people have been killed following a violent attack by suspected armed bandits on a farm in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred on December 21 at Tse Keleke farm in Dudu village, raising serious concerns about the growing threat of banditry in the region.
Security sources said the victims included Mr. Ortwer Sylvanus of Agu village, while the identity of the second man has not yet been confirmed. The assailants reportedly abducted both men and dragged them into nearby bushes during the attack.
“In the course of the attack, Ortwer Sylvanus was macheted to death by the bandits, while the second victim was taken away alive,” a source said.
Following the attack, the police immediately mobilised patrol teams alongside other tactical units to the scene. Ortwer Sylvanus’ body was later recovered and deposited at a local mortuary.
Tragically, the situation worsened the following day when the second victim, initially reported missing, was discovered in the same area with deep machete wounds. “He was found with severe cuts and died while being rushed to the hospital for treatment. His corpse has also been deposited in the mortuary,” the source added.
Authorities confirmed that security operatives have intensified searches of surrounding bushes to track down the perpetrators and arrest them. Local hunters and community volunteers are reportedly working alongside police to locate the suspects.
Benue State, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has faced sporadic incidents of banditry, particularly in its rural areas. Farmers and villagers are often the primary targets due to the isolated nature of farmlands and poor security infrastructure in remote communities.
Bandit attacks typically involve abduction, robbery, and machete assaults, making rural farming activities risky. These attacks not only threaten lives but also disrupt local food production and contribute to widespread fear among residents.
Residents of Dudu village expressed shock and fear following the attack. Many called on the state government and security agencies to provide better protection for vulnerable communities and enforce more robust patrols in high-risk areas.
“We live in constant fear when going to our farms. The government should do more to protect us from these ruthless attacks,” said one local farmer who requested anonymity for safety reasons.
Community leaders have also urged residents to report any suspicious movements and cooperate with security personnel to help track down the attackers. Vigilante groups and local hunters often play a key role in such operations, helping to recover abducted victims and apprehend suspects.
The Benue State Police Command has assured residents that all necessary steps are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice. Security sources confirmed that patrols have been increased in vulnerable areas, and tactical teams continue to comb through forests and farmlands in search of bandits.
Authorities highlight that timely reporting by community members is crucial to prevent further attacks and ensure swift response by security forces. Police and local task forces have previously noted that coordinated efforts with local communities often yield faster results in tracking and apprehending criminals.
Bandit attacks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt have increased over the past decade, often linked to disputes over land, poverty, and easy access to weapons. Farmers, traders, and villagers are commonly targeted due to their isolation and limited security presence.