Not fewer than 17 persons have been confirmed dead following a deadly attack on Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, in an incident that has cast a dark shadow over Easter celebrations in the region.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday, April 5, 2026, reportedly involved heavily armed assailants who stormed the rural settlement and opened fire on residents without warning. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers shot indiscriminately, leaving multiple casualties, while several homes and properties were set ablaze during the assault.
Local sources said the death toll stood at 17, although search efforts were still ongoing in surrounding bushes for missing persons, raising fears that the number of casualties could increase. Survivors were forced to flee into nearby areas as gunfire echoed across the community, leading to widespread displacement.
Reports suggest the violence began earlier in the weekend, with the attackers allegedly invading the area between late afternoon and evening, destroying property and targeting residents in what appeared to be a coordinated assault.
Authorities have linked the attack to suspected armed herders, a recurring source of violent conflict in Benue State and parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Security agencies confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
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Reacting to the killings, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, condemned the attack, describing it as “heinous” and a direct affront to the peace and security of the state. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that efforts were underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The attack coincided with Easter Sunday, a period typically marked by celebration among Christian faithful, further deepening the sense of grief and outrage within the community. Security concerns have continued to mount across Benue, where rural communities have experienced repeated attacks in recent years.
The latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges in the state, with residents calling for urgent and decisive action to halt the cycle of violence and restore lasting peace.
