Nine people were killed when gunmen attacked the Gwer East community

A fresh wave of violence has hit Agena community in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area of ​​Benue State, where at least nine people were reported killed in an early morning attack carried out by suspected armed herdsmen.

The attackers, who were said to have invaded the community in large numbers, also set fire to homes, local markets and food storage sheds, leaving widespread destruction and forcing residents to flee.

This latest tragedy revived painful memories of the 2018 Mbalom church attack, when suspected herdsmen stormed St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Ignatius in the same area, killing 19 people, including two priests, Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha.

Saturday’s attack reportedly left several residents missing, while one injured victim is currently receiving medical treatment.

A local resident, who spoke anonymously, described the attack as highly coordinated and carried out under the cover of dawn.

“People were fast asleep when the attackers sneaked into the community at around 5am and started burning down houses and markets,” he said.

“When residents woke up and tried to escape, the gunmen opened fire on them, killing innocent people without provocation. So far, nine bodies have been recovered, but we fear the number will increase as many people are still missing and unaccounted for.

Also read: Terrorists invade Chibok community, burn down houses and shops

“This is a sad Easter for our community who was preparing for celebrations before this tragedy occurred.

“We don’t understand why these killings continue. Several years ago, they attacked the same community and killed two Catholic priests and worshipers in a church. We urge the government to take firm action to stop these senseless killings,” he added.

Gwer East Local Government Chairman Security Advisor, Austin Awua, who visited the scene to oversee evacuation efforts, confirmed the number of casualties and described the dire situation.

“Most of the victims were young men. The public also reported that several people were still missing, although so far we have found nine bodies,” he said.

Providing further details, he added: “residents said they noticed unusual movements between 4am and 5am, and at 5am the attackers started burning down houses and the entire community market.

“At this time we cannot confirm the cause of this unprovoked attack. The community is quiet because residents fled to seek safety.

“This area is close to the location of the murder of two Catholic priests and 17 congregants in 2018. However, the situation is currently calm.”

Awua revealed that security personnel, including military, police and civil defense personnel, had been deployed to secure the area and prevent further attacks.

“As usual, the armed herdsmen attacked and fled. Security officers are now on the ground to prevent a similar incident from happening again.

“I was directed by the Regional Leader to ensure the evacuation of the bodies. He will also brief the Security Advisor to the Governor, after that he will involve community leaders to find out the cause of the attack,” he said.

Gwer East Local Government Council chairman, Timothy Adi, also confirmed the incident, saying security had been strengthened while search and rescue efforts were ongoing in the affected communities.

Responding to the attack, Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a barbaric and unacceptable act.

In a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and assured residents of the government’s commitment to their safety.

“Governor Hyacinth Alia, strongly condemns the heinous attack carried out by suspected armed herdsmen on the peace-loving Mbalom community in Gwer East LGA.

“The governor described the barbaric act as unacceptable and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the country.

The governor further warned against what he described as a pattern of targeted violence in parts of the state.

“with deep concern over the pattern of calculated and selective attacks in some parts of the country, stressing that such acts of terror, although increasingly complex, will not be allowed to continue.

“He reiterated his unwavering resolve to confront and subdue all forms of criminality that threaten the safety of the Benue community.”

He also commended security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police, for their swift intervention and ongoing efforts to track down those responsible.

“He noted their assurance that they are pursuing the perpetrators and will ensure their arrest and prosecution. He urged them to intensify efforts to prevent further incidents and provide long-term assistance to the affected communities,” he said.

While acknowledging the recurring nature of attacks, Governor Alia assured citizens that his administration will continue to strengthen the security architecture and improve intelligence gathering.

He urged citizens to remain calm, alert and law-abiding, while cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information.

Attempts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for additional comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.