A community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State is reeling after a violent assault by armed herders left one resident dead and another hospitalized. The attack occurred on Tuesday evening near Tse Orhungul following a dispute over cattle grazing on local farmland.
Trouble began when local youths spotted livestock destroying a maize crop. The youths confiscated one animal and brought it to a security station in Yogbo, hoping to force the owners to negotiate payment for the damaged crops. While the youths were occupied at the station, armed individuals targeted two brothers, Verse and Terkimbir, who were working on a nearby farm.
The attackers utilized machetes and swords to inflict severe wounds on both men before fleeing the scene. Although Verse was transported to a medical facility for emergency care, he later succumbed to his injuries. His younger brother, Terkimbir, remains in stable condition while continuing to receive treatment for his wounds. Local residents expressed deep concern, noting that the family has faced similar violence before, including an attack on the brothers’ younger sister earlier this March. The incident has caused widespread alarm in the community, yet authorities have not provided an official statement. Benue State Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
