Suspected herdsmen kill retired headmaster, village head, one other in fresh Benue attack

Tragedy struck the Ukohol community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday, as suspected armed herdsmen launched a violent attack, killing a village head and two others, including a retired headmaster.

The victims have been identified as Zaki Aondohemba Isho, a former headmaster and traditional leader, and Mr. Uger Sember. They were reportedly shot dead while working on their farmland. Another person sustained serious injuries, and two others remain missing following the incident.

Ukohol is located less than 10 minutes from Yelewata, a neighboring community where over 200 people were killed in a similar attack on June 13.

According to local sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, the victims had gone to the farm for planting activities when the suspected herdsmen ambushed them. “They opened fire on them while they were working on the farm. After killing the three men, the attackers set Zaki’s motorcycle on fire,” the source revealed.

A young boy who accompanied the victims narrowly escaped with injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a clinic in Daudu.

The killings have sparked outrage among community members and associates of the victims. Catholic Priest Rev. Fr. Mfa Tivdoo expressed his grief on social media, recalling the late Chief Bernard Isho Sumari’s dedication.

In a heartfelt message, Fr. Tivdoo wrote:
“It is this evening that I truly understood what happened, it was the death of Chief Bernard Isho Sumari. One of the most dedicated farmers in Daudu. Only last Thursday, he attended a PTA meeting in Apir and visited me afterward on the farm. He promised to return soon… a visit that will never happen. He was murdered alongside two others on his farm by Fulani herdsmen. When will this horror stop?”

Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.