BREAKING: Tension in Benue as herdsmen, military exchange gunfire near IDP camp

Tension gripped communities in Tse Asha and Ukange on Sunday afternoon as suspected herdsmen and military personnel reportedly exchanged heavy gunfire just a stone’s throw from the Ortese IDP camp in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The sound of gunshots sent shockwaves through nearby villages, with many residents fleeing for safety. The confrontation is said to be taking place barely two kilometers from the IDP camp, where hundreds of displaced persons have been taking refuge from previous attacks.

Speaking to IDOMA VOICE , a local resident, Zege Orkwande, expressed concern over the safety of the already-traumatized IDPs and called on security agencies to act swiftly.

“As I speak, gunshots are still ringing out in the distance. Nobody has told us what is going on. The people in the camp are scared. We just want peace,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the military or the Benue State Police Command.

Efforts by our correspondent to contact the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.

The situation remains tense, with many praying that the clash does not spill over into civilian areas.