Four feared dead in Benue attack as reprisal leaves 20 cattle killed

Four persons have lost their lives following an attack by suspected armed herders on a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The assault also sparked a retaliatory action in which about 20 cattle were reportedly killed.

According to security sources who spoke with Zagazola Makama, the incident took place at about 2 a.m. on April 7, 2026, when gunmen invaded Agber-Chicha village in Imadi Dem community.

The attackers reportedly opened fire on residents, killing four people on the spot.

One other person was injured during the assault.

Security personnel were said to have responded after receiving a distress call and were deployed to the area. The victims’ bodies were evacuated to a hospital, while the injured individual was taken to the General Hospital in Gbajimba for medical attention.

Sources added that tensions rose shortly after the нападение, as relatives of the victims allegedly launched a reprisal attack on a herders’ settlement in Imande.

During the retaliation, about 20 cattle were killed, while one herder was declared missing.

Security agencies said efforts are ongoing to track down those behind both the initial attack and the subsequent reprisal. They also cautioned residents against further escalation and called for calm in the affected communities.