At least 17 bodies have so far been recovered, with many residents reported missing as suspected armed herdsmen on Easter Sunday launched a deadly assault on Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state
Eyewitnesses described scenes of devastation, with numerous houses destroyed and thousands of displaced villagers fleeing to nearby communities, noting that the number of casualties is expected to rise.
Residents of the area, Terseer Ngutor, said the survivors are taking refuge at Ikpayongo in Mbasombo Council Ward and Ayar in Mbalom Council Ward while the injured are receiving treatment at hospitals across the state.
He named some of the victims killed in the incident to include Zawua Timothy Gbasha, Akenawe Oraduen David (aka Igyoi), Binta Aondoakaa, Binta Asunda, Chenkele Ayange Gbogbo (aka Area Fada), Suega Adee (aka Usman), Ajam Ageli, Spaco (aka Insexy) among others.
He said some youths have gone into bushes to search the surrounding areas for missing persons
In a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the assault, describing it as “barbaric” and “a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state.”
The governor expressed deep sympathy to the families affected and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
He noted with concern the recurring pattern of targeted attacks in parts of Benue, vowing that such acts of terror would not be allowed to thrive.
Governor Alia commended the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their swift response, urging them to intensify operations to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further violence.
He assured residents that measures are being taken to strengthen security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering, and restore peace.
Calling for calm, vigilance, and cooperation, the governor encouraged citizens to support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.
