A quiet Easter celebration in Mbalom community, Gwer East Local Government Area, Benue State, turned into a scene of horror on Sunday as at least 17 people were reportedly killed in a sudden and violent attack.
Several residents remain missing, sparking fears that the death toll could rise.
According to eyewitnesses, armed assailants stormed the village, setting homes ablaze and catching residents off guard. Properties were destroyed, leaving many families displaced and without shelter.
“This is heartbreaking. People were caught unawares. Many are still missing,” said a resident who requested anonymity. Families are currently combing nearby bushes in search of loved ones, as local search efforts continue.
The attack has reignited concerns about the security of rural communities in Benue State. Over the years, the state has witnessed repeated violent incidents, with armed groups frequently targeting villages and farmlands.
Residents say these assaults disrupt daily life, force displacement, and leave communities living in constant fear.
While attempts to reach the Benue State Police Command for official comment were unsuccessful, questions remain about the timing of the response and the measures in place to protect vulnerable populations.
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The scale of the devastation in Mbalom has left local authorities and residents calling for urgent intervention from both state and federal governments.
Security analysts note that the Benue region has been particularly susceptible to attacks due to its rural settlements and limited security infrastructure.
“Attacks like this are not isolated. They reflect broader security challenges in the region,” said John Agbo, a conflict analyst based in Makurdi. “Without improved intelligence, rapid response, and community policing, these tragedies are likely to recur.”
In the meantime, grieving families continue to mourn their dead while searching for missing relatives. Relief efforts, including provision of temporary shelter and food, are being coordinated by local community leaders and humanitarian organisations.
Residents hope that the tragedy will prompt immediate action from authorities to enhance security and prevent further loss of lives during festive periods.