Suspected gunmen have killed six persons in Uzer village, Tombo ward, Gaambetiev local government area in Benue State.

The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday night around 8 p.m. as residents were settling down in their respective compounds.

Uzer village, situated on the Ayilamo-Tse Abi-Tse Ikyo-Tyulen trunk federal highway, is merely a four-minute drive from Ayilamo town, which has faced sustained gunmen attacks for over 20 years.

Eyewitness Terlumun Akombo, who narrowly escaped from the attackers, told The Nation via phone that as villagers were settling down in front of their compounds, they heard loud gunshots.

Akombo reported that in the ensuing melee, some gunmen, under the cover of darkness, shot and killed several individuals.

Six dead bodies were found, and a woman and her child, who sustained serious injuries, later succumbed to their wounds at PHC Ayilamo. The victims of the attack include Sir Matthew Tyôkighir, Mrs. Myangega, Ortamem Zwa Injo, Mr. Emmanuel Sanka, and Mrs. Justina Ashe.

Another eyewitness, James Kumaga, stated that security personnel were alerted from Ayilamo, but the gunmen escaped before they arrived.

The Nation reported that Tombo ward, a farming community, has been plagued by insecurity for over 20 years, primarily due to suspected herdsmen attacks, which have displaced residents from their ancestral homes.

The entire Tombo ward, comprising Mbakorya, Mbaya, Mbazaar, and Iwendyer kindred, has been deserted as most residents live in fear of unknown gunmen.

Chief Tyodue Aboh, a community leader, appealed to the federal and state governments to provide security for farmers to return to their farmlands.

The Logo Divisional Police Officer confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation had commenced.

Arrangements were being made to provide a mass burial for the victims at the time of press. (The Nation)