Easter: Tragedy as armed herders kill nine in Benue

It was a sombre Easter celebration in parts of Benue State as suspected armed herders reportedly killed nine persons in Mbalom-Mbatsada-Agana communities in Gwer East Local Government Area.

Residents, who spoke with journalists via telephone, said the attack occurred on Saturday evening between 5 p.m. and 6 pm, when the assailants allegedly stormed a market square and opened fire on unsuspecting villagers.

Several others were reportedly injured in the attack, while many residents fled their homes to escape the violence.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Timothy Adi, said nine bodies had been recovered.

According to him, two corpses were recovered on Saturday night, while seven others were found on Sunday.

Adi also disclosed that the state Commissioner for Security and Internal Affairs, Ifeanyi Emenari, had visited the affected communities and called on the Federal Government to urgently address the activities of armed herders in the state.

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Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as calls to her phone were not answered.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the attack, describing it as a “barbaric act” and a direct affront to the peace and security of the state.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the governor expressed deep sympathy to families of the victims and assured them of the government’s support.

Alia noted with concern what he described as a pattern of “calculated and selective attacks” in parts of the state, stressing that such acts would not be allowed to persist.

He reiterated his administration’s resolve to tackle all forms of criminality and restore peace, while commending the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their swift response.

The governor also urged security agencies to intensify operations to prevent further attacks and ensure that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.

He appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, while continuing to provide credible information to support ongoing security efforts.