Suspected herdsmen in the wee hours of Tuesday, killed seven people in Naka, a community in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
The attack, this medium gathered left several residents injured, while many fled their homes in fear of further violence.
Gwer West LGA has long been a hotbed for herdsmen-related violence, with repeated attacks on communities and road users, particularly along the collapsed Makurdi-Naka Road.
The latest incident follows a pattern of increasing insecurity in the area.
A local source who doesn’t want to be quoted, said that the attack was preceded by armed herders entering the community with their cattle, allowing them to graze freely on farmlands and destroying crops.
On Tuesday morning, at around 5am, the attackers reportedly arrived on motorbikes, shooting indiscriminately at houses and forcing residents out of their homes.
“The sound of gunshots woke the people and forced them out of their homes. As they tried to escape, they were gunned down by the invaders,” the source said. “Seven people who couldn’t escape were gruesomely killed, and others were injured.”
As panic spread, residents began fleeing the community, fearing a repeat of the unprovoked attack. Many are now seeking safety in nearby areas, leaving their homes behind.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the command in Benue State, Superintendent Catherine Anene, stated that she had yet to receive full details of the incident at the time of the report.
This attack marks yet another violent episode in the ongoing security challenges facing Benue State, particularly in communities vulnerable to herdsmen violence.
Authorities are expected to respond with heightened security measures to protect the lives and property of residents.