Tragedy struck Ukohol community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday as suspected armed herdsmen launched a fresh attack, killing a village head and two others, including another retired headmaster.
The victims, identified as Zaki Aondohemba Isho, a former Headmaster and traditional leader, and Mr. Uger Sember, were reportedly shot dead on their farmland, while another person sustained serious injuries. Two others have been declared missing following the incident.
Ukohol lies less than 10 minutes from Yelewata, a neighboring community where over 200 people were slaughtered by armed invaders on June 13.
According to local sources who requested anonymity, the victims had gone to their farm to carry out planting activities when gunmen suspected to be herdsmen ambushed them.
“They opened fire on them while they were working on the farm. After killing the three men, the attackers set Zaki’s motorcycle on fire,” the source said.
“A young boy who accompanied them narrowly escaped with injuries and is now receiving treatment at a clinic in Daudu,” he added.
The killings sparked outrage among residents and associates of the deceased, including Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Mfa Tivdoo, who expressed his anguish on social media.
In a heartfelt post, Fr. Tivdoo wrote:
“It is this evening that I truly understood what happened, it was the death of Chief Bernard Isho Sumari. One of the most dedicated farmers in Daudu.
“Only last Thursday, he attended a PTA meeting in Apir and visited me afterward on the farm. He promised to return soon… a visit that will never happen. He was murdered alongside two others on his farm by Fulani herdsmen. When will this horror stop?”
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful.