Gunmen Strike Benue on Easter Sunday, Kill 17 Residents
No fewer than 17 persons have been reportedly killed following an attack on Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State on Easter Sunday, according to residents.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, suspected to be armed herders, invaded the community in the early hours of the day, opening fire on residents and setting several houses ablaze.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen arrived in large numbers and began shooting sporadically, forcing people to flee for safety.
“They came suddenly and started shooting everywhere. People were running in different directions. Some were not able to escape,” the source said.
Several houses were reportedly burnt during the attack, leaving many families displaced and properties destroyed.
Local sources said the casualty figure could rise as search efforts continue, with some persons still unaccounted for.
As of the time of filing this report, security operatives were yet to fully secure the area, raising concerns among residents over the slow response.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Benue State, where communities have repeatedly come under нападение by suspected armed groups.
