There was a brutal attack on the Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State on Easter Sunday by suspected herdsmen, where 17 people were killed and many others are still missing.
The gunmen arrived unexpectedly, opened fire on residents, set houses ablaze, and destroyed valuable properties, displacing numerous families.
An eyewitness account states that the gunmen attacked other communities including Mbaikyor and Mbasombo.
The informant disclosed that many people’s whereabouts are unknown but insisted that eleven people were killed.
We have it on good authority that the Mbalom community has experienced similar violence before, where a few years ago armed herders attacked a church in Mbalom, killing two priests and other parishioners.
Several attempts to obtain police confirmation or official information about the attack proved futile, as the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) did not respond to questions.
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has condemned the attack, describing it as “unacceptable” and a threat to the state’s peace and security, while expressing deep sympathy to the affected families.
Governor Alia, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, vowed to confront and suppress all forms of criminality, noting a disturbing pattern of targeted attacks in parts of the state.
According to the statement, the Governor appreciated the security agencies for their swift response and urged them to intensify efforts to prevent further attacks. He assured residents that his administration would safeguard lives and property, strengthen security measures, and collaborate with stakeholders to restore peace.