Bloodshed in Benue as Gunmen Storm Guma Community

....10 Feared Dead, 20 Injured in Gbajimba Attack

.....Police Urge Calm as Displaced Residents Moved to IDP Camp

By Stephen Idowu

Panic and grief have enveloped Gbajimba, headquarters of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, following a deadly attack by suspected armed herders that left several residents dead and many others injured.

The late-night assault, which occurred on December 17, 2017, triggered chaos in the agrarian community, with eyewitnesses describing the incident as brutal and unprovoked.

Sources within the area said the attackers stormed the community under the cover of darkness, unleashing violence on unsuspecting residents.

In the aftermath of the attack, aggrieved youths barricaded a section of the federal highway in protest, leaving motorists stranded for hours.

The protest reportedly escalated tensions further, as one commuter was said to have lost his life during the unrest.

An eyewitness recounted that the attackers operated for hours without resistance, alleging a delayed response from security agencies.

“The incident happened late in the night, and as of the following day afternoon, many residents were still in shock. The perceived inaction of authorities angered youths, who took to the streets,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command said 10 persons were killed, while at least 20 others sustained serious injuries.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, disclosed this in an official statement issued on Thursday.

According to the statement, the victims’ bodies have been deposited at a general hospital, while the injured are currently receiving medical treatment.

The police added that security operatives have been deployed to the area to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Authorities also confirmed that displaced residents have been relocated to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp for safety and humanitarian support.

While condemning the attack, the police assured that efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible for the violence.

The command, however, cautioned residents, particularly youths, against taking the law into their own hands.

“The command frowns at jungle justice and urges members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies,” the statement read.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over recurring clashes between herders and farming communities in parts of Benue State.

Residents have continued to call on both the state and federal governments to intensify security measures to protect lives and property.

Community leaders are also advocating dialogue and proactive conflict resolution mechanisms to curb the cycle of violence.

As tensions linger, many families in Gbajimba are left mourning their loved ones, while others grapple with injuries and displacement.

Security agencies say they remain on high alert as investigations into the attack continue.