Six Killed as Herdsmen Attack Ugbaam Village, Benue State, Soldiers Withdraw from Scene
In a shocking incident that has left the Ugbaam community in Benue State in a state of mourning, armed assailants, suspected to be Fulani herders, launched a deadly attack on Tse Ugema Chul, Mbakesa, and other settlements in the Ukum Local Government Area. The violent assault, which took place yesterday, has resulted in the recovery of six dead bodies, with many more still missing.
Eyewitnesses report that the attack began when local youths, including Adeke Michael — a vocal critic of the increasing herdsmen presence in Ugbaam, as shared on his Facebook page — took it upon themselves to defend their village. Armed only with sticks and stones, the young men confronted the herders, managing to drive them toward a nearby stream called Kafe.
However, the villagers were unaware that the attackers had already strategically positioned a group of their men along the stream to ambush any counteroffensive. As the youths neared the area, they were met with overwhelming force. Over 50 armed assailants emerged from the surrounding bushes, wielding guns, machetes, and other weapons. The attackers swiftly overpowered the youths, killing an undetermined number of individuals in the process.
Currently, six bodies have been recovered, but the total casualties remain unclear, with numerous villagers still unaccounted for.
According to a source within the community, an attempt to seek military assistance was made when a local resident contacted Nigerian Army personnel stationed at Wuaze, just a few kilometers away from the scene. Despite being alerted to the ongoing attack, the soldiers reportedly turned back after approaching the area and encountering the presence of the herders. They returned to their camp, opting not to intervene in the situation.
Tse Ugema is situated only a few kilometers from the Zaki Biam International Yam Market, an area that has witnessed growing tensions due to the ongoing conflict between local farmers and herders.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, as tensions between local communities and herders continue to escalate, leaving many in fear for their safety and uncertain of the future.
