Gunmen have killed three people who were returning from a burial in Sati-Ikov Council Ward of Ushongo Local Government Area in Benue State.
The attackers struck near the community on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
A local resident, who asked to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisals, said two additional victims were abducted during the incident.
“Some mourners returning from a burial were attacked near our community, Sati-Ikov, on Saturday night by local militias,” the source said. “Three people were killed, and two others—a man and a woman—were kidnapped.”
The lawmaker representing Ushongo Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Simon Gabo, confirmed the attack on Sunday and condemned the activities of militias in the area.
He said the community has experienced sustained violence over the past two weeks, leading to multiple deaths.
Gabo identified the deceased as Bem Msughter from Mbakyombo, Daav-Ikov; Aondo Chia from Mbamegh, Daa-Ikov; and Sunday Terwase of Mbakyor, Daav-Ikov.
He added that two others—Aondongu Amos, a POS operator in Sati-Ikov, and Mrs. Arinze, a patent medicine trader—were abducted while returning from the burial.
The lawmaker, who also serves as the Deputy Majority Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, noted that three people had been killed in the same community two weeks earlier.
“I received a call around 4 a.m. on Sunday that on Saturday night, some people returning from a burial encountered armed men,” he said. “The attackers shot and killed three of them, took their belongings, robbed nearby residents, and kidnapped two individuals.”
