Benue community under siege: Nine killed, homes, market burnt in fresh herdsmen attack

By Benedicta Aboh

No fewer than nine persons have been confirmed dead following a renewed attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Agena community in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.

The assailants reportedly set several houses ablaze, including the community market and food storage facilities, leaving residents in distress and forcing many to flee.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, has once again brought to the fore the recurring violence in the area.

Mbalom had previously witnessed a deadly attack on April 24, 2018, when gunmen stormed St. Ignatius Catholic Church, killing 19 persons, among them two priests, Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha.

According to local sources, the latest assault left nine people dead, one injured, and several others unaccounted for.
A community member, who requested anonymity, described the attack as sudden and coordinated.

He said: “The attackers came in large numbers, over 50 of them, and invaded the community while people were still asleep,” the source said.

“They arrived around 5 a.m. and immediately began burning houses and the market. As people tried to escape, they opened fire on them.

“Nine bodies have been recovered so far, but many people are still missing. We fear the death toll may increase.

“This is a tragic time for us. Our people were preparing for Easter celebrations when this happened. We are calling on the government to urgently intervene and stop these repeated attacks.”

Confirming the incident, the Security Adviser to the Gwer East Local Government Chairman, Mr. Austin Awua, said he was at the scene to coordinate the evacuation of victims.

“Between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Saturday, the community was attacked by suspected armed herdsmen. Nine persons were killed, and one injured person has been taken to the hospital,” he said.

“Most of those killed are young men. While we have recovered nine bodies, reports indicate that some persons are still missing.

“Residents reported suspicious movements earlier in the morning before the attackers began setting houses and the market on fire.

“At present, the motive for the attack is unclear. The community has been deserted, as residents fled for safety.”

Awua noted that security operatives, including personnel of the Army, Police, and Civil Defence, had been deployed to the area to prevent further violence.

“The attackers carried out the operation and fled, but security forces are now on ground to maintain peace and prevent any recurrence,” he added.

He further disclosed that he was directed by the Local Government Chairman to oversee the evacuation process and report developments to the state government for further action.

Also, the Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Area, Mr. Timothy Adi, confirmed the incident and the casualty figure assuring that efforts were ongoing to secure the area and locate missing persons.

“We have strengthened security presence in the community, and search-and-rescue operations are ongoing,” he said, adding that the state government had taken steps to address the situation.

Reacting, Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as “heinous” and unacceptable.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents.

“Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemns the attack on the peace-loving people of Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area,” the statement read.

“He describes the act as barbaric and a direct affront to the peace and security of Benue State.

“The governor extends his heartfelt condolences to families who lost loved ones and assures them that the government stands with them in this difficult time.”

The statement further noted the governor’s concern over what he described as a pattern of recurring attacks in parts of the state.

“He emphasizes that such acts of violence will not be tolerated and reiterates his resolve to tackle all forms of criminality threatening communities in the state.”

Governor Alia also commended security agencies for their prompt response, expressing confidence that those responsible would be apprehended.

“He has been assured by security agencies that efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice. He has, however, urged them to intensify operations to prevent further attacks.”

The governor reassured residents of the government’s commitment to strengthening security measures, enhancing intelligence gathering, and working with stakeholders to restore lasting peace.

He urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing operations.

“The government will not relent in its duty to protect lives and property and remains committed to ensuring peace, justice, and security across the state,” the statement added.