Residents of Yelewata village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State have been thrown into mourning and fear following a deadly bandit attack that left several families shattered, including the disappearance of Oveso Abah, born on April 4, 1996.

According to local sources, armed bandits invaded the agrarian community in the late hours, setting houses ablaze and shooting sporadically, forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes. During the attack, the home of Oveso Abah’s family was reportedly targeted.

Eyewitnesses said Oveso’s father and mother were trapped inside their house as the attackers set it on fire, burning both parents alive. Their charred remains were later recovered after the assailants fled the village.

In the same attack, Oveso Abah’s younger sister, Joyce Abah was allegedly abducted by the bandits and taken to an unknown destination, deepening the tragedy that has befallen the family.

Since the incident, Oveso Abah has not been seen or heard from, raising fears that he may have been killed during the attack or forced to flee the community for safety. Family members and villagers said all efforts to locate him have so far proved unsuccessful.

The attack has sparked renewed calls from residents for increased security presence in Yelewata and surrounding communities, as locals continue to live in fear of further assaults while hoping for information on the whereabouts of Oveso Abah and his abducted sister, Joyce Abah.