At least nine people were reportedly killed in a fresh attack by suspected armed herdsmen on the Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State on Easter Sunday.
Some local reports suggest the death toll may be as high as 17 victims, with many residents still missing as search efforts continue in surrounding bushes.
The attackers were also said to have razed several houses, including the community market and food barns, leaving widespread destruction in the community.
It will be recalled that a similar attack occurred in Mbalom on April 24, 2018 when suspected herdsmen stormed St. Ignatius Catholic Church, killing 19 persons, including two Catholic Priests, Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha.
It was gathered that Saturday’s attack left several persons missing, and injured one individual who is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers, numbering over 50, invaded the community in what appeared to be a coordinated operation.
“People were fast asleep when the attackers sneaked into the community around 5am and began setting houses and the market ablaze,” he said.
“As residents woke up and attempted to flee, the gunmen opened fire on them, killing innocent people without provocation. So far, nine corpses have been recovered, but we fear the number may rise as many persons are still missing and unaccounted for.
“It is a sad Easter for our people who were preparing for the celebrations before this tragedy struck.
“We cannot understand why these killings continue. A few years ago, they attacked this same community and killed two Catholic priests and worshippers in a church. We urge the government to take decisive action to stop these senseless killings,” he added.
The Security Adviser to the Gwer East Local Government Chairman, Mr. Austin Awua, who was at the scene to oversee evacuation of the victims, confirmed the incident.
While confirming the number of casualties, he said “the victims are mostly young men. Community members have also reported that several persons are still missing, although we have recovered nine bodies so far,” he said.
According to him, “residents said they noticed unusual movements between 4am and 5am, and by 5am the attackers had begun burning houses and the entire community market.
“At the moment, we cannot ascertain the reason for this unprovoked attack. The community is deserted, as residents have fled for safety.
“This area is close to where two Catholic priests and 17 worshippers were killed in 2018. However, the situation is currently calm.”
Awua added that security agencies, including the Army, Police, and Civil Defence, had been deployed to the area through the coordination of the Chairman to prevent further attacks.
“In their usual pattern, the armed herdsmen struck and fled. Security personnel are now on the ground to forestall any recurrence.
“I was directed by the Local Government Chairman to ensure the evacuation of the corpses. He will also brief the Security Adviser to the Governor, after which he will engage community leaders to determine the cause of the attack,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Council, Mr. Timothy Adi, who visited the affected area, confirmed the development. He assured that security had been reinforced and that search-and-rescue operations were ongoing.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor expressed deep sympathy to the affected families and reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
Part of the statement read: “Governor Hyacinth Alia, strongly condemns the heinous attack carried out by suspected armed herdsmen on the peace-loving people of Mbalom in Gwer East LGA.
“The governor describes the barbaric act as unacceptable and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state.. He expresses deep sympathy to families affected by the attack and assures them that the government stands firmly with them in this difficult time,” the statement read.
The Governor also noted “with grave concern what appears to be a pattern of calculated and selective attacks in parts of the state, stressing that such acts of terror, though increasingly complex, will not be allowed to persist.
“He reiterates his unwavering resolve to confront and subdue all forms of criminality threatening the safety of Benue communities.”
The governor also commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their swift response and ongoing operations.
“He notes their assurance that they are on the trail of the perpetrators and will ensure their arrest and prosecution. He urges them to intensify efforts to prevent further occurrences and bring lasting relief to affected communities,” he said.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by recurring attacks, Governor Alia assured residents that his administration would not relent in strengthening security architecture and enhancing intelligence gathering.
He called on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, while supporting security agencies with credible information.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet could not be reached for comments.
