… herdsmen kill three policemen, seize rifles
…launches attack on former Benue governor, Samuel Ortom’s village
Tension gripped communities in Tse Asha and Ukange on Sunday afternoon as suspected herdsmen and military personnel reportedly exchanged heavy gunfire just a stone’s throw from the Ortese IDP camp in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The sound of gunshots sent shockwaves through nearby villages, with many residents fleeing for safety.
The confrontation is said to be taking place barely two kilometers from the IDP camp, where hundreds of displaced persons have been taking refuge from previous attacks.
Speaking , a local resident, Zege Orkwande, expressed concern over the safety of the already-traumatized IDPs and called on security agencies to act swiftly
A resident, Zege Orkwande, said security operatives have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to messages sent by our correspondent.
In another development, Udei community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State was thrown into panic on Sunday following an attempted attack by suspected herdsmen, which reportedly left three police officers feared dead.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen ambushed the officers during the attack and allegedly made away with their rifles.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command and other relevant authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the attack
Herdsmen launch attack on former Benue governor, Samuel Ortom’s village
Also, Two farmers, Nensha Adeor and Kator Gbenge, have sustained serious injuries following an attack by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen in Adeor settlement, Ndzorov Council Ward, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack occurred in the hometown of former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
According to local sources, the incident happened when the victims attempted to stop the herders from allowing their cattle to graze on and destroy their farmland.
The herdsmen, reportedly armed with machetes, launched a violent assault, leaving both men with deep cuts.
Medical personnel at the General Hospital in Gbajimba said the victims are in critical condition.
Salient Times recall that another farmer in the area was abducted three days ago by suspected armed herdsmen and remains in captivity.
As of the time of filing this report, no contact or ransom demand has been made.
Residents of the community have raised the alarm, calling on security agencies and the state government to intervene urgently and strengthen security in Ndzorov.
