Armed attacks on mourners in Sati-Ikov, Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State, have left three people dead and two others abducted, sparking alarm among residents and local leaders. The violent incident occurred on Saturday night as a group of mourners returned from a burial ceremony. According to eyewitnesses and local officials, the assailants ambushed the victims near the community, opening fire and stealing belongings before fleeing into the surrounding forests. The attack has deepened fears in the area, where violence has become increasingly frequent.
Residents who spoke to journalists on Sunday described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. One anonymous source, fearing reprisals, confirmed that three people were killed and two others— a man and a woman— were taken captive. The victims were identified by the lawmaker representing Ushongo Constituency, Simon Gabo, as Bem Msughter from Mbakyombo, Daav-Ikov; Aondo Chia from Mbamegh, Daa-Ikov; and Sunday Terwase of Mbakyor, Daav-Ikov. The abducted individuals were Aondongu Amos, a POS operator in Sati-Ikov, and Mrs. Arinze, an Igbo patent medicine trader.
Gabo, who is also the Deputy Majority Chief Whip of the Benue State House of Assembly, condemned the attack and expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity. He revealed that he received a call from community members at around 4 a.m. on Sunday, detailing the ambush that occurred the previous night. “The armed men shot and killed three of them and collected their bags. They also robbed some residents there and kidnapped two people. The victims were all young men,” he stated.
The lawmaker emphasized that Ushongo has become a hotspot for violent crimes, with at least three people killed in a similar attack just two weeks prior. He added that the region has experienced one or two such incidents every other week, raising serious questions about security measures in place. Gabo alleged that the attackers often cross from neighbouring Katsina-Ala Local Government Area into Ushongo, exploiting the mountainous terrain and dense forests to launch surprise attacks and escape undetected.
He confirmed that he has reported the incident to security agencies, and the Divisional Police Officer has deployed personnel to the community. However, as of the time of reporting, the Nigeria Police Force’s State Command had not issued any official statement on the matter. The lack of immediate response from security authorities has further fueled anxiety among residents, who are now calling for urgent intervention to restore peace and protect lives in the area.
This latest attack underscores the growing insecurity in parts of Benue State, where armed groups continue to exploit weak security presence and remote terrain. The situation remains tense as families mourn their loved ones and communities brace for further violence. Authorities are under increasing pressure to act decisively to prevent more bloodshed and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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