Four people, including a pastor, have been killed, while eight others sustained injuries following an attack by suspected armed herders on Abeda Shitile community in Gaambe-Tiev, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack reportedly occurred around 5 pm on Tuesday as traders and residents were preparing to leave the market.

The assailants allegedly opened fire on residents at different locations, triggering panic and forcing people to flee for safety.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen operated for more than two hours, moving from a Point-of-Sale shop owned by Ernest Atindi Tor in the Ikyô Tor Dukur area towards the motor park along Afia Road.

The community leader described the incident as terrifying, adding that residents ran in different directions to escape the gunfire.

The deceased were identified as Msoo Chan, Pastor Terungwa Tyonungo, Suurshater Iornumbe and Dodo Shingir.

Their remains have reportedly been recovered and deposited at a mortuary in the area.

Eight other residents, identified as Kumater Awua, Miracle Gangera, Tsetim Terungwa, Iortyom Helen, Seember Aondongu, Kofi Aondosoo, Chuku Okoro and Orker Iortyom, sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention at a health facility in the community.

Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, for an official reaction were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.