Suspected armed herders have reportedly launched repeated attacks on Yogbo, the headquarters of Mbagwen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving residents scared and unsure of their safety.
The trouble reportedly started five days ago, just as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was visiting the state. According to people who witnessed the event, gunmen entered the community and began shooting without warning, causing chaos and fear among locals.
Although security forces arrived quickly and managed to drive the attackers away, preventing major harm, the fear among the people remained.
The following day, however, the suspected herders came back and were seen grazing their cattle on farms around the outskirts of Yogbo. Many locals stayed in their homes, afraid of being attacked again, while their farmlands were destroyed.
Two days after that, the situation worsened. The attackers allegedly blocked the main road between Yogbo and Gyungu Adze and killed a traveler passing through. This action caused even more fear and tension in the community.
On Sunday, June 23, 2025, another incident was reported when a group of Tiv farmers from Yogbo went to fish at River Shina and were ambushed by armed men. Reports about how many were injured or killed are still unclear, but residents believe the attacks are part of a larger plan to push them out of the area.
Tivta Samuel Aondohemba, a member of the community and local activist, has made a public call for urgent action.
He reached out to the Guma Local Government Chairman, Hon. Orwough Maurice, and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, asking them to step in immediately. He also urged security forces to improve their patrols and presence in the area to prevent further attacks.
“The people of Yogbo are under siege,” Aondohemba said. “We need help now more than ever. Please help share this message to save lives.”
