Easter: Armed Herders Invade Benue Market, Kill 9, Injure One

From Attah Ede Makurdi 

Gunmen suspected to be  herders have invaded Agana Market in Mbalom, Mbatsada  community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, killing 9 persons and injured  one person.

A source from the area  who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incidence, saying that, the invaders stormed the market at about 5- 6pm where traders and buyers were still undertaking transactions  preparatory for the Easter celebration and struck.

He disclosed that before the attack happened,  there was a security advisory that, terrorists would attack people in the church at night or invade  the communities while they worshipped.

The Executive Chairman of Gwer LGA Timothy Adi who also confirmed the attack to our correspondent on phone in Makurdi, said one person is in a critical condition and is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. 

Adi said the attackers stormed the village between 5-6pm and carried out the heinous act. 

He intimated that the State Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Enemari visited the area to ascertain the level of destruction and quickly deployed his men to maintain peace, adding, “the area is peaceful at the moment”. 

“Agana Market is  in Mbalom, Mbatsada  community along the Ikpayongo-Agana-Ayar-Mbalom road in the local government. The herders came to attack the people in the market.

“After the attack yesterday, we recovered two corpses and today being Easter Sunday, I went with the soldiers and we recovered additional seven corpses. Am just returning back from the hospital where the one victim who sustained severe injury, is receiving treatment”, Adi said

MeanwhileBenue Market, Benue state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has strongly condemned the heinous attack carried out by suspected armed herdsmen on the peace-loving people of Mbalom in the Gwer-East Local Government Area.

The Governor in a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, described the barbaric act as unacceptable and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state. 

He expressed deep sympathy to families affected by the attack and assured them that the government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.

Governor Alia noted with grave concern the pattern of what appears to be calculated and selective attacks in parts of the state, stressing that such acts of terror, though increasingly hydra-headed in nature, will not be allowed to thrive.

 He reiterates his unwavering resolve to confront and subdue all forms of criminality threatening the safety of Benue communities.

The Governor commends security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force for their swift response and ongoing efforts, noting their assurance that they are on the heels of the perpetrators and will ensure their arrest and prosecution. 

He urged them to intensify operations to forestall further occurrences and bring lasting relief to affected communities.

While acknowledging the challenges posed by these attacks, Governor Alia assured the people of Benue State that his administration will not relent or leave anything to chance in its duty to safeguard lives and property. 

He emphasized that every necessary measure is being taken to strengthen security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to restore enduring peace.

While calling on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, the governor charged them to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that can aid ongoing operations.

“The Benue State Government under my leadership remains resolute in its commitment to protect its citizens and will not be deterred in its pursuit of peace, justice, and security for all” , Alia stressed.