Three people have been killed in a renewed attack by suspected armed herdsmen in Yelewatta, a border community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to local sources, the attack occurred late Saturday night when heavily armed assailants invaded the community while residents were asleep.

A resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the attackers arrived around midnight and began their assault by quietly knocking on doors before attacking those who responded.

"The invaders started silently by knocking at people's doors and when you open the door, they kill everyone at sight by slaughtering and shooting," the source said.

The victims have been identified as Mr. Ulam Udzer (father), Terseer Ulam (son), and a two-year-old child, all of whom were reportedly slaughtered in their home. The wife of Mr. Udzer was also shot and critically injured during the attack.

The resident noted that the full extent of casualties is still being determined as authorities continue to assess the situation.

Yelewatta is a strategic border town located along the Makurdi-Lafia Road, making it vulnerable to cross-border attacks.

The source commended the swift response of security agencies, stating: "We thank the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Civil Protection Guard, and the Executive Chairman of Guma Local Government Council and ALGON Chairman, Hon. Orwough Maurice, for the prompt response which has restored peace in the area for now."

Efforts to get an official statement from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

This attack adds to the growing list of violent incidents in Benue State attributed to armed herdsmen, further highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.