Suspected armed herdsmen attacked Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, leaving two residents injured, local sources confirmed.

The community previously endured a deadly assault on June 13, 2025, in which over 200 people were killed, forcing survivors into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

A local leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the herders arrived with their cattle in the afternoon and clashed with soldiers deployed to secure the area.

“The attack happened in the afternoon when the herders were openly grazing toward Yelewata town. Soldiers moved to intercept them, and when the herders realized they were about to be apprehended, they began running back,” the source said.

According to the leader, soldiers fired warning shots to halt the herders, but the attackers fired back while retreating, injuring two residents near the source’s home.

One victim, a woman, was shot in the hand, while another sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. Both were treated and evacuated to Makurdi by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency for further care.

“They are still alive, and we are grateful for the quick response of BSEMA,” the source said.

The incident came just days after the state government distributed improved agricultural inputs to local farmers to boost food production during the planting season.

The community leader expressed concern that renewed attacks could disrupt farming activities and prevent residents from utilizing the inputs. “Our people are worried that the armed herdsmen may prevent them from accessing their farms. We fear for our lives every day,” he said.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for comment were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not returned at the time of reporting.