A group of armed men, believed to be herdsmen, launched a surprise assault on Abaushwa village in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday night. The village, which is the home of former governor Samuel Ortom, suffered four fatalities while multiple other residents sustained wounds.
According to local witnesses, the attackers arrived around midnight, breaking into homes to target sleeping villagers. Three people died during the immediate raid, while a fourth victim succumbed to injuries after being transported to the General Hospital in Gbajimba. Community members continue to search for several people who remain unaccounted for.
Dr. Frank Kyungun, a former executive secretary of the Benue State Teaching Service Board, joined Samuel Ortom in visiting the affected community to express condolences. He condemned the violence as senseless, noting that local residents have intentionally avoided conflict with herdsmen by refraining from beef consumption and maintaining peace despite ongoing agricultural disputes.
Guma Local Government Chairman Morris Orwough labeled the event unacceptable. In response, security forces have been dispatched to the area to secure the perimeter and stabilize the situation. The Benue State Police Command, represented by PPRO DSP Peter Aondona, verified the death toll and stated that authorities are actively investigating to capture the suspects responsible for the bloodshed.
