A four-year-old boy and two other persons have reportedly been killed after suspected herdsmen invaded Omulonye community in Ugboju District, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack reportedly occurred around 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, when the assailants invaded the community and began shooting sporadically.
The incident also left several residents injured, forcing many people to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities.
A community source described the attack as unprovoked, saying the residents were caught unawares by the assailants.
According to the source, three people were killed as residents scrambled to escape the gunfire.
Among the victims was a four-year-old boy whose mother reportedly sustained severe injuries during the attack. The child’s uncle was also among those killed.
The source added that the deceased victims had been buried, while residents who sustained injuries were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for immediate medical attention.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the attack and the reported death toll.
Aondongu said efforts were underway to identify and arrest those responsible for the killings.
The latest incident adds to security concerns in Benue State, where attacks on rural communities have repeatedly raised fears over the safety of residents.
