At least nine persons have been confirmed dead following a violent attack by suspected armed herders on three communities in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
The affected communities Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Aganwere reportedly invaded on Saturday evening between 5 pm and 6 pm along the Ikpayongo–Agana–Ayar–Mbalom axis. Tèhe a55 coincided with a busy market day in Mbalom, where the attackers allegedly stormed the area and began shooting sporadically, killing residents and traders.
Chairman of the local government, Timothy Adi, confirmed the incident, stating that nine corpses had been recovered. According to him, two bodies were found shortly after the attack, while seven more were discovered the following day.
Several others sustained injuries, and many residents fled their homes in fear.
Adi described the напад as unprovoked and called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and curb the activities of armed herders in the state.
Reacting, the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, describing them as a “barbaric act” and a serious threat to the peace and security of the state.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, in Makurdi, on Sunday, the governor expressed sympathy to the victims’ families and assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Alia noted a troubling pattern of coordinated attacks in parts of the state and reiterated his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity. He also commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their swift response, adding that operatives were already pursuing those responsible.
The governor urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.
The attack comes barely 24 hours after the state Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, announced the deployment of additional tactical teams by the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen security in the state ahead of Easter celebrations.
.
