Suspected armed herdsmen have killed no fewer than 10 worshippers on their way to commemorate the suffering and death of Jesus Christ in Benue state.

The armed men ambushed worshippers on their way to church for Good Friday at Gbagir community in Ukum local government area.

The assailants also injured several others during the fresh deadly attack on Friday, April 18, 2025.

According to Leadership, a local identified as Tersur Iornenge said:

“The armed men stormed the community at about 6:am when members of the community were going to the church to commemorate Good Friday, shooting sporadically at anyone in sight,”

Iornenge disclosed that the corpses of the deceased are been conveyed to the palace of the traditional ruler.

The source lamented that the federal government has abandoned them.

The assailants allegedly attacked a neighbouring Community, Chito on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

“The armed men on Thursday also attacked a neighbouring Community, Chito, where they killed two farmers. They invaded our community today and killed 10 farmers on the spot including women and children.”

The source further stated that over 25 farmers sustained varying degrees of injuries and many others still missing after the attack.

The State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mathew Abo, confirmed the attack and killings of innocent people.

Abo said five bodies were recovered and three others are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Zaki Biam.

“There is an influx of armed herders in Ukum recently and they came with a lot of cows and sheep grazing freely on peoples farms.

“The attack, which started Thursday lasted till Friday has spread to Logo and Katsina-Ala LGs although there is relative calm for now."