About 17 persons have been reportedly killed following a fresh attack on Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State throwing the community into panic on Easter Sunday.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the community unexpectedly, opening fire on residents and setting several houses ablaze.
By Sunday evening, at least 17 bodies had been recovered, while many others were still unaccounted for as search efforts continued.
Several homes and valuable properties were also razed during the attack, forcing many survivors to flee for safety and leaving scores of families displaced.
A resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity described the incident as devastating.
“This is heartbreaking. People were caught unawares. Many are still missing,” the resident said.
However while confirming the incident to journalists the Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Timothy Adi said, nine people were killed and one person critically injured.
Nine persons were killed, one other person was critical injured and now admitted at the hospital.
He said the incident happened between 5pm and 6pm yesterday (on Saturday).
The chairman said the Commissioner of Police had come in on Sunday and have deployed security to the area adding that the situation is now calm.
The Benue state Governor, Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the heinous attack which he said was carried out by suspected armed herdsmen.
In a statement by his chief press secretary described the barbaric act as unacceptable, and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state.
He expressed deep sympathy to families affected by the attack and assures them that the government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.
Governor Alia noted with grave concern the pattern of what appears to be calculated and selective attacks in parts of the state, stressing that such acts of terror, though increasingly hydra-headed in nature, will not be allowed to thrive.
While reiterating his unwavering resolve to confront and subdue all forms of criminality threatening the safety of Benue communities the Governor commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their swift response and ongoing efforts, noting their assurance that they are on the heels of the perpetrators and will ensure their arrest and prosecution.
He urged them to intensify operations to forestall further occurrences and bring lasting relief to affected communities.
While acknowledging the challenged posed by these attacks, Governor Alia assures the people of Benue State that his administration will not relent or leave anything to chance in its duty to safeguard lives and property.
He emphasized that every necessary measure is being taken to strengthen security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to restore enduring peace.
Alia called on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, the Governor charged them to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that can aid ongoing operations.
The Benue State Government under his leadership said it remains resolute in its commitment to protect its citizens and will not be deterred in its pursuit of peace, justice, and security for all.
In April 2018 two Reverend Fathers alongside some parishioners were gruesomely murdered at St Ignatius Catholic Church, Ayar Mbalom,7 years later the community is still under attack.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
