Four killed, eight injured as gunmen turn Benue market into killing ground

Residents recount over two hours of terror as attackers move from POS shop to motor park, leaving pastor and three others dead; police yet to comment

A market-day outing turned into a deadly nightmare in Abeda Shitile community, Gaambe-Tiev, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, after suspected armed herders launched an attack that left four people dead, including a pastor, and eight others injured.

The assault, which occurred at about 5pm on Tuesday, reportedly began as traders and residents were preparing to close their businesses and return home, with gunmen opening fire on people in different parts of the community.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the persistent threat of armed violence in rural Benue communities, where attacks on residents, traders and farming settlements have continued to undermine livelihoods, public safety and economic activities.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers operated for more than two hours, moving through different locations and spreading fear as residents desperately searched for places to escape the gunfire.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, described the incident as terrifying, explaining that the gunmen began their operation around a Point-of-Sale shop owned by Ernest Atindi Tor in the Ikyô Tor Dukur area before advancing towards the motor park along Afia Road.

According to the source, the attackers moved through the community while firing at people, forcing residents to abandon their businesses and flee in different directions.

The timing of the assault reportedly worsened the situation, as several traders and customers were still around the market when the gunmen struck.

Pastor, three others identified among victims

The four people confirmed killed in the attack were identified as Msoo Chan, Pastor Terungwa Tyonungo, Suurshater Iornumbe and Dodo Shingir.

Their remains have reportedly been recovered and deposited at a mortuary in the area.

The killing of Pastor Tyonungo has added a religious dimension to the tragedy, with the community mourning the loss of a spiritual leader alongside three other residents.

READ ALSO; Gunmen abduct six mourners travelling from Kano to Benue, demand ₦15m ransom

Eight additional victims sustained injuries during the attack.

They were identified as Kumater Awua, Miracle Gangera, Tsetim Terungwa, Iortyom Helen, Seember Aondongu, Kofi Aondosoo, Chuku Okoro and Orker Iortyom.

The injured victims are currently receiving medical attention at a health facility in the area, according to the community leader.

However, details surrounding the severity of their injuries and their current medical conditions were not immediately available.

Attack raises fresh questions over rural security

The latest bloodshed has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of rural settlements in Logo Local Government Area, particularly communities whose residents depend heavily on farming, trading and other daily economic activities.

The reported movement of the attackers from the Ikyô Tor Dukur area towards the motor park along Afia Road also raises questions about how armed assailants were able to sustain an operation lasting more than two hours without an effective security response.

Beyond the immediate casualties, such attacks carry wider consequences for rural economies. Traders risk losing their businesses, farmers face uncertainty over access to their land, while residents are forced to reconsider their movements for fear of further violence.

The loss of lives also deepens the humanitarian burden on affected families, many of whom must contend with funeral arrangements, medical expenses and the psychological trauma associated with witnessing violent attacks.

Although the attackers were suspected to be armed herders, their identities and motives had not been independently established as of the time of filing this report.

Police yet to issue official account

Attempts to obtain an official response from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, could not be reached for comments as of press time.

Consequently, it remained unclear whether security operatives had visited the affected community, launched an investigation or made any arrests in connection with the incident.

There was also no official clarification on whether additional security personnel had been deployed to prevent further attacks.

The absence of an official police account leaves important questions unanswered, including the precise circumstances of the killings, the identity of those responsible and whether intelligence warnings preceded the assault.

For residents of Abeda Shitile, however, the immediate reality is the loss of four community members, eight injured victims and the fear left behind by an attack that reportedly lasted more than two hours.

The community now faces the challenge of mourning its dead while seeking assurances that another evening of gunfire will not turn into another massacre.