Tragedy struck again in Benue as gunmen killed four people, including a respected church leader.
The deadly attack in Yogbo has left families mourning, with one victim still missing.
Another tragic incident has hit Benue State as four people, including a church leader, were reportedly killed by armed men in a new round of violence. The attack occurred in the Yogbo area, located within Guma Local Government Area.
Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (rtd), who serves as the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Homeland Security, confirmed the killings. Among the victims was Mr. Vitalis Kenvanger, a well-known figure and church leader at St. Albert Catholic Church in Abata, Yogbo. Another victim was identified as Dogo Udam, a local businessman.
Eyewitnesses explained that two of the victims were ambushed by the attackers at a location known as Gyungu Azer, along the road linking Udei and Yogbo. Their lifeless bodies were discovered shortly after. Two other individuals, Mr. Iorember Famja and a woman identified as Mama Shiaondo, were also said to have been traveling with them at the time of the incident.
While Mama Shiaondo was later released by the attackers, Mr. Famja remained missing as of the time of this report. Family members have expressed deep concern about his fate. Though his phone has been answered a few times by the suspected attackers, they have made no demands, leaving relatives worried that he may have already been killed.
One of the church leader’s relatives, Mr. Boniface Igboji, expressed shock and sadness. He said, “I spoke with my brother yesterday while we were in Daudu. I never imagined that would be our last conversation. These killers answered his phone and told us he was dead.”
Efforts by local vigilante groups and security agents to locate the missing man in nearby forests have not yielded results so far.
When asked about the incident, Benue State Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said she had not received a full briefing but assured that she would follow up.
