Two farmers have been critically injured in an attack by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen in Adeor settlement, Ndzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area — the hometown of former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
The victims, identified as Nensha Adeor and Kator Gbenge, were reportedly assaulted with machetes on Saturday while attempting to prevent herders from grazing their cattle on their farmland. The confrontation turned violent, leaving both men with deep lacerations.
Medical personnel at the General Hospital in Gbajimba confirmed to reporters on Sunday that the two victims are in critical condition and receiving intensive care.
Local sources say the attack is the latest in a series of violent encounters between herders and farmers in the area. Just three days earlier, another farmer was abducted in the same community by suspected herdsmen and remains missing. No ransom has been demanded, and there has been no contact with the family.
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The spate of insecurity has sparked widespread concern among residents. Community leaders are urging security agencies and the state government to intervene swiftly to prevent further violence and restore peace in Ndzorov and other vulnerable parts of Guma LGA.
“This is the hometown of a former governor. If it can happen here, then nowhere is safe,” a worried resident said.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Benue State Police Command nor the state government has issued an official statement.