Benue villagers attack man for denying deadly herdsmen assault

A man identified as Mr Zape Upaa was mobbed on Saturday, 19th July 2025, by irate residents of Ukpiam community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, for allegedly attempting to dismiss reports of a violent herdsmen attack that left several villagers traumatised.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that Upaa was attacked while trying to record videos to discredit the overnight assault. According to locals, his actions provoked angry residents still reeling from the bloodshed.

“He was trying to do a video to say nothing happened here. People got angry and attacked him,” said one community member, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Images circulating online showed Upaa with multiple injuries, corroborating claims of the assault. He was later rescued by concerned villagers and rushed to a hospital in Makurdi for urgent treatment.

Ukpiam, like several other rural communities in Benue State, has faced persistent attacks by suspected armed herders. These repeated invasions have heightened tensions and led to renewed calls for increased military and police presence in the area