A quiet Easter celebration turned into tragedy in Benue State, as at least 17 people were reportedly killed in a sudden attack.
The incident occurred in Mbalom community, located in Gwer East Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, several people are still missing, raising fears that the death toll could increase. Search efforts are ongoing, as families comb nearby bushes in hope of finding loved ones alive.
According to residents, the attackers stormed the community. Houses were set ablaze, and many people were caught off guard.
In addition, properties were destroyed, leaving many families displaced and without shelter. The scale of the damage has left the area in distress.
A resident, who chose to remain anonymous, described the situation in painful terms.
“This is heartbreaking. People were caught unawares. Many are still missing.”
Furthermore, the sudden nature of the attack has raised concerns about security in the region. Many believe more needs to be done to protect vulnerable communities.
However, this is not an isolated incident. Benue State has faced repeated attacks in recent years, especially in rural areas.
The Benue community attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents linked to armed groups. These groups are often accused of targeting villages and farmlands.
Moreover, such attacks have disrupted daily life and forced many residents to flee their homes. Communities now live in constant fear of another strike.
Meanwhile, attempts to reach the police for confirmation were unsuccessful. Calls to the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command were not returned.
Therefore, many questions remain unanswered regarding the response time and security measures in place.
In addition, residents are calling for urgent intervention from both state and federal authorities.
The aftermath of the attack has left deep pain across the community. Families are grieving, while others continue searching for missing relatives.
