A renewed wave of violence has claimed the lives of a Roman Catholic Church leader and a woman in Ayua village, Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred on Tuesday night, prompting residents in surrounding communities in the Mbagwen axis of Guma LGA to flee their homes amid ongoing attacks by armed assailants.

The victims were identified as David Hur, Zonal Chairman of the Anter Catholic Church, and Mrs. Lydia Utuu of Ayua village.

Sources alleged that the violence was triggered by a confrontation between a herder and a villager.

The herder reportedly attempted to wash his head in the community’s only water source after drinking from it. A local man objected, resulting in an altercation during which the herder allegedly attacked him with a machete.

“The man’s cries for help drew villagers to the scene, but the situation escalated quickly into a full-blown attack,” a resident told our correspondent by phone.

As of the time of filing this report, residents have deserted their homes in large numbers. Tension remains high, with urgent appeals for government and security intervention to avert further bloodshed.

Police spokesperson for the Benue State Command, CSP Catherine Anene, did not respond to inquiries regarding the incident. (Daily Trust)