Tragedy and uncertainty have gripped the peaceful community of Yalawata, located in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, as a 44-year-old man, Mr. Evans Samuel, has been declared missing following a violent confrontation between local youths and heavily armed bandits.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, when suspected armed bandits launched yet another attack on the agrarian community, burning homes and displacing dozens of families.
In a courageous act of defense, Mr. Samuel and several other young men from the community mobilized themselves to repel the attackers.
Amidst the chaos and gunfire, residents said Mr. Samuel was last seen running toward the eastern edge of the village in an attempt to rescue some trapped villagers.
“We saw him trying to help some people escape, said a community elder, Pa Terkula Aondo, visibly shaken. “Since then, nobody has seen or heard from him. We’ve searched the bushes and nearby areas, but he is nowhere to be found.
Local vigilante members and volunteers have continued to comb the surrounding forests and riverbanks, fearing the worst but still holding onto hope that Mr. Samuel may have escaped into hiding or been rescued by security forces.
The attack, which left several villagers dead and many homes destroyed, is one of several recent assaults by suspected bandits in Guma Local Government Area, a region that has long been a hotspot of farmer-herder clashes and rural insecurity.
Family members of Mr. Samuel described him as “a humble, hardworking man and a devoted father” who loved his community deeply. “He stood up to defend his people when it mattered most,” said his cousin, Mrs. Joy Iorver, in tears.
“We just pray he returns home alive.”
As night falls over Yalawata, the community remains on edge mourning their dead, nursing their wounded, and praying for the safe return of one of their own: Mr. Evans Samuel, the brave son of Benue who vanished in the line of courage.
Anyone with useful information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Evans Samuel is urged to contact the community station or Yalawata community leaders.