At least seven persons were reportedly killed by suspected armed herders on Thursday night in Agbo Vengav Udam community, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred just hours after gunmen, also believed to be armed herders, hijacked two commercial vehicles and abducted about 14 passengers near Naka, the headquarters of the local government area.
Sources told our correspondent that the attack took place around 7:00pm when the assailants stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately on residents. 
A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed via telephone that the attackers accessed the village through a border community in Otukpo LGA.
“They came in through the Otukpo border village, entered Agbo, and began shooting sporadically. Seven people were killed instantly, and they abducted three others,” the source said.
It was gathered that among the victims was an infant, while the child’s mother was reportedly taken by the attackers.
Five of the deceased have been deposited in a morgue in Naka, while the families of the remaining two opted for immediate burial.
The incident has sparked fear among locals, many of whom have reportedly fled their homes to avoid further violence.
Confirming the attack, Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Mr Victor Ormin, said multiple people were killed in the assault.
“It is true that a number of people were killed in Vengav Udam village on Thursday night. Two others who sustained critical injuries are currently receiving treatment at Naka hospital,” Ormin stated.
He decried the rising wave of attacks in the area, saying: “This is becoming unbearable. The activities of these armed herders in the local government and the state at large are escalating.”
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful as calls to her mobile phone went unanswered.
