Nine killed as herders open fire on Benue communities

Ebun Emmanuel –April 5, 2926

Some gunmen suspected to be herders on Saturday unleashed terror on Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Agana communities in the Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, killing at least nine people.

Sources described Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Agana as rural communities situated along the Ikpayongo–Agana–Ayar–Mbalom road in Gwer East LGA.

The attackers were reported to have invaded the communities at around 6pm on Saturday.

It was gathered that the attack coincided with a market day in Mbalom, where the assailants stormed the market and surrounding communities, embarking on a killing spree.

Several persons were also said to have sustained injuries, while many residents fled to safer areas.

The Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Timothy Adi, confirmed the attack.

He said, “The invasion and attacks happened yesterday (Saturday) between 5 pm and 6 pm. Nine corpses have so far been recovered — two yesterday (Saturday) and seven today (Sunday).”

Efforts to get the reaction of the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as calls to her phone were not answered.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, condemned the attack.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, governor Alia described the incident as a “barbaric act and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state.”

The statement added, “Alia notes 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.

“He reiterates his unwavering resolve to confront and subdue all forms of criminality threatening the safety of Benue communities.”