Suspected armed herders have launched another deadly assault on Agbo Vengav Udam, a community in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving at least seven people dead and three others abducted.
Residents told PUNCH Online that the attack occurred around 7 p.m. on Thursday, with the assailants firing sporadically as they stormed the village. A local source revealed the gunmen gained access through a border village in Otukpo LGA before launching the assault.
“They passed through Otukpo’s border area and invaded Agbo, shooting randomly and killing seven people instantly. They also took away three people,” a community member stated anonymously.
Tragically, an infant was among the dead, while the child’s mother was reportedly taken by the attackers. Five bodies were deposited at a morgue in Naka, while the families of the remaining two opted for immediate burial.
The brutal incident has sparked fear among residents, forcing many to flee the area to avoid further violence.
Confirming the attack, Gwer West LGA Chairman, Victor Ormin, expressed concern over the rising insecurity in the region. “Yes, the attack at Vengav Udam village happened last night. Two people are in critical condition at Naka hospital,” he said. “This is becoming unbearable. These herders are wreaking havoc across the local government.”
The attack comes just hours after gunmen abducted 14 passengers from two commercial vehicles near Naka, the council headquarters.
Repeated attempts to reach Benue State Police PRO, Catherine Anene, for comments were unsuccessful.
