Fear and grief have gripped Uikpam community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State after a middle-aged farmer, Gabriel Vandefan, was gruesomely murdered by suspected armed herdsmen on his farmland.

According to residents, the horrific attack took place around 12 noon while Gabriel was harvesting millet just a short distance from his home. After successfully bringing back a first batch of millet bags, he returned to the farm to collect the rest—but never came back.

Family members became worried after waiting for hours and later found his lifeless, beheaded body on the farm. Shockingly, the attackers also cut off one of his hands and took it away.

Uikpam is already home to many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who had previously fled their villages due to similar attacks. This incident has only deepened the fear in the community.

A resident named James expressed the community’s growing concern:

“It’s heartbreaking. People don’t even sleep in Uikpam anymore. Many move to Daudu every night out of fear. Now, even those who sought refuge here are no longer safe.”

He added that Uikpam is the only inhabited area left in Mbabai Council Ward, as other communities have been deserted due to constant threats from armed herdsmen.

This killing comes just days after heavy gunshots were heard near the community market, forcing both locals and IDPs to flee in panic. The situation has left residents feeling helpless and abandoned.

When contacted, the Benue State Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command was yet to receive an official report on the incident.

With attacks continuing unchecked, locals are calling for urgent government intervention to protect the remaining residents of Guma LGA and restore peace in the area.