Panic as suspected herdsmen behead farmer in Benue community

Tension has enveloped the Uikpam community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State following a deadly attack allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the early hours of Thursday, July 24, 2025.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants launched a surprise assault at dawn, targeting unsuspecting residents of the peaceful farming village. During the attack, a local farmer identified as Gabriel Vandefan was reportedly brutally murdered and beheaded while harvesting millet on his farmland.

The disturbing incident was confirmed by Jimin Geoffrey, a former media aide to ex-Governor Samuel Ortom, who condemned the killing and described it as yet another grim reminder of the insecurity plaguing rural communities in Benue State.

The gruesome incident has sparked panic and outrage among locals, who continue to live under the constant threat of violence. The killing was confirmed by Jimin Geoffrey, a former media aide to ex-Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, who described it as “yet another horrifying example” of the worsening insecurity in rural communities across the state.

He said the bandits “also beheaded the victim and also cut off one of his hands and took it away”.

Benue State has been under intense attacks by armed herders, who have been causing chaos across the country.

Recently, Yelwata community in Guma LGA was attacked, with over 200 persons killed by the militias in just one night.