Nine people died during an attack on Holy Saturday in the Mbalom-Mbatsada-Agana communities within Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State. The assault, attributed to suspected terrorists, also left one person critically injured. Gwer LGA Chairman Timothy Adi confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, stating that security forces have been alerted. The attack occurred in a region that has previously experienced communal violence linked to armed groups operating in the area.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, describing them as tragic and senseless. He called for calm and urged residents to remain vigilant while cooperating with security agencies. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and investigations are ongoing.
Governor Hyacinth Alia's condemnation follows yet another deadly assault in rural Benue, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of persistent insecurity. Despite repeated statements, the recurrence of such attacks in Gwer LGA exposes the limited reach of state protection in remote communities. For residents of Mbalom-Mbatsada-Agana, the killing of nine people on a religious holiday underscores a grim reality: safety remains elusive even during moments of peace. This latest incident adds to growing public frustration over the inability to curb violence in the region.
