What began as a normal day on the farm for three community elders in Benue State ended in heartbreak and bloodshed, as suspected armed herdsmen once again unleashed terror—this time on Ukohol, a peaceful settlement in Guma Local Government Area.
Among the slain were Zaki Aondohemba Isho, a respected village head and retired school headmaster, and Mr. Uger Sember, both gunned down in cold blood on their farmland. A third victim also lost his life, while one young boy narrowly escaped with serious injuries. Two others remain missing.
Ukohol is less than 10 minutes from Yelewata, where over 200 lives were violently cut short just weeks ago. Thursday’s attack, locals say, came without warning. The victims were planting crops when they were ambushed. After killing them, the assailants set Zaki’s motorcycle ablaze and fled into the bush.
The brutality of the killings has left the entire Guma axis in mourning. One of the most heart-wrenching reactions came from Rev. Fr. Mfa Tivdoo, who took to social media to grieve the loss of Chief Isho. He recalled their last meeting—a simple conversation about farming, community and hope—now shattered forever.
“When will this horror stop?” Fr. Tivdoo asked.
The people of Benue have been asking the same question for years. Once again, it goes unanswered. As of press time, police authorities had not released an official statement.
But for the grieving families of Ukohol, no explanation can undo the pain. No silence can heal this wound. The blood on the farmlands of Benue continues to cry for justice.
