Panic in Guma as armed men block road, attack commuters in Benue

Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly taken over the Gyungu Aze–Yogbo road in Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, attacking commuters and leaving a female passenger severely injured during one of the assaults.

The incident, which occurred at Tse Ikpe, a few kilometres from a security post in Hagher, sparked panic among residents and travellers who regularly use the route linking nearby communities.

Eyewitnesses said the armed men blocked the road and openly brandished AK-47 rifles and cutlasses, stopping vehicles and other road users while dispossessing them of their valuables.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity described the scene as terrifying, saying the attackers stood in the middle of the road stopping every passing vehicle.

According to him, a motorcyclist travelling from Gyungu Aze to Yogbo ran into the ambush with a female passenger identified as Laadi.

Sensing danger, the rider reportedly accelerated in an attempt to escape. While he managed to break through, the woman fell off the motorcycle during the escape.

“The armed men immediately attacked her and inflicted deep machete cuts on her neck before fleeing into the bushes,” the resident said.

He added that the victim sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Yogbo for treatment, with fears that she may not survive due to heavy blood loss.

Security operatives reportedly arrived the area shortly after the incident was reported, but residents expressed concern over the recurring nature of attacks along the road.

They called for an increased security presence to protect commuters and communities within the area.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.