Two members of the Community Volunteer Guards have been killed during an attack on Mbamsorun Iwanev, Mbagwem, in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders.
Eyewitnesses identified the slain guards as Ikpa Bagu and Age Aondowase.
The assault, which reportedly threw the community into panic, forced residents to flee as the attackers opened fire and unleashed terror in the area.
Community sources said one person was also abducted during the incident but was later released unharmed without the payment of ransom.
Residents, who described the situation as tense, identified Gbeleve and Amile as major crossing points allegedly used by criminals to gain access to the community.
They urged security agencies to intensify surveillance around the routes, which they said had become security flashpoints.
Locals, especially those living along the Jato-Aka axis, were also advised to remain vigilant and security-conscious amid fears of further attacks.
The community appealed to relevant authorities to urgently strengthen security presence in the area to prevent more killings and restore peace.
Efforts to get confirmation from the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as calls to her mobile line were not returned.