Four killed in Guma attack, reprisals claim 20 cattle in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Four persons have been killed following an attack by suspected armed herders in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, with reprisal actions leading to the killing of 20 cattle.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on April 7, 2026, when armed men attacked Agber-Chicha village in Imadi Dem community.
The attackers reportedly shot four residents dead, while another person sustained injuries during the attack.
On receipt of the distress call, security operatives were mobilised to the scene, where the corpses were evacuated to a hospital, while the injured victim was rushed to the General Hospital in Gbajimba for treatment.
Sources further disclosed that following the attack, relatives of the deceased carried out a reprisal, targeting a herders’ settlement in Imande.
During the reprisal, about 20 cattle were killed, while one herder was reported missing.
Security authorities said efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible for both the initial attack and the subsequent reprisal, warning against further escalation of violence.
They also assured that patrols had been intensified in the area to restore calm and prevent breakdown of law and order.
