A four-year-old boy and two others have been killed in an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Omulonye community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Several other residents reportedly sustained injuries in the attack, which forced residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities.

Sources in the area said the attackers invaded the community at about 9pm, shooting sporadically and triggering panic among residents.

One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the attack as unprovoked, saying it lasted less than an hour.

“It was an unprovoked attack. The people were in their homes, preparing to go to bed, when they started hearing gunshots, triggering pandemonium. People tried to escape, but three persons were killed instantly,” the source said.

The source identified one of the victims as a four-year-old boy whose mother was badly injured. The boy’s uncle was also among those killed.

“Many others sustained injuries. Most of those who sustained injuries were rushed to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for immediate medical attention,” the source added.

The source said the victims had been buried, while surviving residents had fled their ancestral homes and taken refuge in neighbouring communities.

“As we speak, the residents have fled their ancestral homes and are taking refuge in neighbouring communities, while many others are said to be stranded,” the source said

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the attack and the death toll.

“Yes, the reports are true. Three persons were confirmed dead in the attack, and efforts are being made to identify and arrest the perpetrators,” he said. (Vanguard, excluding headline)