Several people are feared dead following a deadly attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Tyoshin community in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State late Sunday night.

According to local sources, the attackers invaded the community under the cover of darkness, unleashing terror on residents. While the exact death toll remains unclear at the time of reporting, eyewitnesses described the assault as "brutal and devastating."

Among the confirmed casualties was Monday Dooden, whose brother, Akawe Francis, shared his grief on social media: "Monday Dooden, my brother, we ran away from the village because of Fulani attacks to Naka over 10 years ago, but we didn't escape. Last night you were killed by the same Fulani."

Pattern of Violence

The Naka attack appears to be part of a broader pattern of violence in Benue State. Earlier on Sunday, a similar attack reportedly occurred in Edikwu Ankpali, Apa Local Government Area, where several people were also said to have been killed by suspected herdsmen.

This latest incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Benue State, where clashes between farming communities and herders have resulted in numerous casualties and displacement of residents over the years.

The attack on Naka is particularly poignant as it targeted a community that had already experienced displacement due to similar violence. Many residents, like the late Monday Dooden, had relocated to Naka seeking safety after fleeing previous attacks in their original villages.

As of the time of this report, authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the attack or confirmed the number of casualties. Local residents, however, continue to call for increased security measures to protect vulnerable communities in the state.

This incident comes amid reports that over 20 local government areas in Benue State are currently under siege, according to the Benue Ethnic Development Association (BEDA).