Terrorists ambushed residents in Ortese community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, on December 23, 2025, killing at least five people and abducting others.
The terrorists barricaded the busy Ortese-Yogbo road, opened fire on travelers, and chased fleeing victims into surrounding bushes.
Local sources identified three victims as Solo Uchi, murdered on his farm; Alhaji Iorlaha from Orogbo; and Tersoo Uker from Tse Uker.
One survivor recounted the terror: “They blocked the road completely and started shooting.
Some died on the spot, while others ran into the bushes where the terrorists pursued them.”
As a result, fear swept through the community.
Many families abandoned their homes, worsening the displacement crisis in the region.
Youths scoured nearby bushes for missing persons through December 25, fueling concerns that the death toll might rise.
Furthermore, this strike came just days after terrorists killed two residents in nearby Daudu.
Benue State—Nigeria’s vital “Food Basket”—continues to suffer repeated terrorist assaults amid longstanding farmer-herder conflicts over land and resources.
Amnesty International documents over 500,000 people displaced by late 2024, with thousands more fleeing in 2025.
Survivors pack into overcrowded IDP camps short on food, clean water, sanitation, and medical care, intensifying food insecurity in this key farming zone.
Security forces stepped up patrols following the incident, yet locals demanded more robust safeguards.
“Our people live in constant fear,” one community leader stated.
“Families flee because terrorists might strike again at any moment.”
In addition, the attack darkened Christmas festivities across Benue, underscoring Nigeria’s persistent rural insecurity and its devastating human cost.
