Gunmen Strike Again: Six Killed in Benue’s Uzer Village Amid Ongoing Insecurity
Suspected gunmen unleashed terror on Uzer village in Tombo ward, Gaambetiev Local Government Area of Benue State, killing six individuals in a late-night attack on Wednesday around 8 p.m.
The quiet farming community, located on the Ayilamo-Tse Abi-Tse Ikyo-Tyulen federal highway, was thrown into chaos as villagers settled down for the evening.
Eyewitness Terlumun Akombo recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating via phone:
“As villagers were settling down in front of their compounds, they heard loud gunshots.”
In the panic that ensued, the attackers took advantage of the cover of darkness, leaving six people dead. Among the victims were Sir Matthew Tyôkighir, Mrs. Myangega, Ortamem Zwa Injo, Mr. Emmanuel Sanka, and Mrs. Justina Ashe. A woman and her child who sustained serious injuries later succumbed at PHC Ayilamo.
Another witness, James Kumaga, revealed that security personnel were notified from Ayilamo, but the gunmen had fled by the time they arrived.
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The farming community of Tombo ward has endured over two decades of insecurity, largely due to suspected herdsmen attacks, forcing residents to abandon their ancestral homes. Entire areas such as Mbakorya, Mbaya, Mbazaar, and Iwendyer have been left deserted.
Chief Tyodue Aboh, a community leader, pleaded with federal and state authorities to deploy security forces to enable displaced farmers to return to their lands.
The Logo Divisional Police Officer confirmed the incident, stating that investigations were underway. Plans for a mass burial of the victims were in progress at the time of reporting.
