Suspected herdsmen attack on Benue community leaves one dead and one injured

In the settlement of Tse Orhungul, near Yogbo in the Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, residents were gripped by fear after an attack allegedly carried out by armed herders left one person dead and another seriously injured.

The violent incident reportedly took place on Tuesday evening, following a dispute over cattle grazing on a maize farm close to the community.

Local sources said that some youths discovered cattle feeding on crops and seized one of the animals. The cow was then taken to a security post in Yogbo.

Community members explained that the move was intended to compel the cattle owners to come forward and discuss compensation for the damage to the farmland.

While the youths were still at the security post, the suspected herders allegedly entered the village and encountered two brothers, Verse and Terkimbir, who were working on their farm behind the settlement.

Witnesses said the attackers struck the brothers with machetes and swords, leaving them with severe injuries before fleeing.

A resident familiar with the incident revealed that Verse suffered critical machete cuts and was rushed to a medical facility for urgent treatment.

“The information that reached us this afternoon is that he did not survive the injuries,” the source said.

His younger brother, Terkimbir, also sustained multiple wounds during the attack and was taken to hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

Residents noted that the family had previously suffered a similar tragedy.

They recalled that the victims’ younger sister was allegedly attacked in March and has remained under medical care since then.

The latest incident has further heightened anxiety among locals, many of whom have repeatedly expressed concern over recurring attacks and violent clashes involving suspected armed herders in the area.

Attempts to obtain an official response from the police were unsuccessful.

As of the time this report was filed, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, had not responded to inquiries regarding the attack.