Easter Tragedy: 17 feared dead as Herdsmen attack Benue community

At least 17 persons have been killed in a fresh attack on Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, plunging the area into panic on Easter Sunday.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the community unexpectedly, opening fire on residents and setting several houses ablaze in a coordinated assault.

By Sunday evening, no fewer than 17 bodies had been recovered, while many others remained missing as search-and-rescue efforts continued.

The attack also led to the destruction of homes and valuable property, forcing survivors to flee and leaving many families displaced.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as devastating.

“This is heartbreaking. People were caught unawares. Many are still missing,” the resident said.

Confirming the incident, Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the attack, describing it as heinous and unacceptable.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, the governor said the assault by suspected armed herdsmen was a direct affront to the peace and security of the state.

He expressed sympathy with the affected families and assured them of the government’s support during the difficult period.

Alia also raised concern over what he described as a pattern of calculated and selective attacks in parts of the state, stressing that such acts of violence would not be allowed to persist.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, noting that efforts are ongoing to strengthen security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to restore peace.

He commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their swift response and ongoing operations, expressing confidence that the perpetrators would be apprehended and brought to justice.

Residents were urged to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, while supporting security agencies with credible information.

The latest attack revives painful memories of the April 2018 massacre at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in the same Mbalom community, where two Catholic priests and several worshippers were killed, underscoring the persistent security challenges in the area.