No fewer than 17 people have been reportedly killed following a brutal attack on Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State during Easter Sunday celebrations.
Residents said suspected armed attackers stormed the community, opening fire indiscriminately and setting several homes ablaze.
At least 17 bodies have been recovered, while many others remain unaccounted for as search efforts continue.
The assault left widespread destruction in its wake, with numerous houses razed and survivors forced to flee for safety, further deepening the humanitarian strain in the area.
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Eyewitnesses described the incident as sudden and devastating, noting that many victims were caught completely off guard.
“This is heartbreaking. People were caught unawares. Many are still missing,” a resident lamented.
The attack is the latest in a series of recurring violence affecting rural communities across Benue, where persistent insecurity has continued to claim lives and disrupt livelihoods.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities have yet to release an official statement on the tragedy.
