Bloody Easter: Herdsmen storm Benue community kill many, burn houses

At least nine persons have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Agena community in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.

The assailants reportedly razed several houses, including the community market and food barns, leaving widespread destruction and forcing residents to flee.

A local resident, who spoke anonymously, said the attackers, numbering over 50, stormed the community in the early hours of Saturday in what appeared to be a coordinated operation.

“People were fast asleep when the attackers sneaked in around 5am and began setting houses and the market ablaze. As residents tried to escape, they opened fire, killing innocent people,” the source said.

He added that nine bodies have been recovered so far, while several persons remain missing, raising fears that the death toll could increase.

The incident revives memories of the April 2018 attack in the same Mbalom community, where 19 persons, including two Catholic priests, were killed at a church.

Confirming the latest attack, the Security Adviser to Gwer East Local Government Chairman, Austin Awua, said most of the victims were young men, with one injured survivor currently receiving treatment.

According to him, residents had noticed unusual movements between 4am and 5am before the attackers launched the assault. He added that the community has now been largely deserted as residents fled for safety.

Awua disclosed that security agencies, including the Army, Police, and Civil Defence, have since been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks, while evacuation of victims is ongoing.

Also confirming the incident, the Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Council, Timothy Adi, assured that security had been reinforced and that search-and-rescue operations were underway.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor expressed sympathy to affected families and reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Alia warned that the state would not tolerate recurring acts of violence, noting what he described as a pattern of calculated attacks in parts of Benue. He also commended security agencies for their swift response and urged them to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information as efforts continue to restore peace in the affected community.

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