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Fresh Benue Attack: Nine Feared Dead as Armed Herdsmen Strike Mbalom Community
Gunmen killed nine in Benue’s Gwer East, destroying homes and displacing residents in an early morning Easter attack.
A renewed attack by suspected armed herdsmen has left at least nine people dead in Agena community, Mbalom, Gwer East LGA of Benue State.
The incident, which occurred early Saturday morning, also saw several houses, the community market, and food barns set ablaze, forcing residents to flee.
The area had previously witnessed a deadly attack in 2018 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, where 19 people, including two priests, were killed.
According to residents, the attackers, numbering over 50, infiltrated the community at dawn.
“People were fast asleep when the attackers sneaked into the community around 5am and began setting houses and the market ablaze,” a resident recounted.
“As residents woke up and attempted to flee, the gunmen opened fire on them… So far, nine corpses have been recovered, but we fear the number may rise.”
He described the incident as a devastating blow during the Easter period.
“It is a sad Easter for our people… We urge the government to take decisive action to stop these senseless killings,” he said.
Confirming the attack, Austin Awua, Security Adviser to the Gwer East chairman, said: “the victims are mostly young men… we have recovered nine bodies so far,” while noting that several people remain missing.
He added that the attackers struck between 4am and 5am, burning properties and leaving the community deserted.
Security agencies have since been deployed, while evacuation of victims is ongoing.
Local government chairman Timothy Adi assured residents that security had been strengthened and that rescue efforts were underway.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous” and “barbaric” act.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemns the heinous attack… The governor describes the barbaric act as unacceptable,” a statement from his office read.
He also warned against what he described as a pattern of attacks and pledged to intensify efforts to curb insecurity.
The governor further commended security agencies for their swift response and urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities.
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