17 people have been reported killed in an attack on Mbalom community in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected herders.
Several properties were also destroyed in the attack, which reportedly began around 5 p.m. on Saturday and lasted until about 10 p.m.
Benue Police Command spokesperson, Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to TheCable on Sunday.
Edet said investigations are ongoing and added that more details would be made available as information is gathered.
Reports said a security alert had earlier been issued over the movement of about 50 armed herders dressed in black overalls. The group was said to be moving from Nyiti in Makurdi LGA to Atondiir in Gwer West, where Easter celebrations were scheduled to hold.
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor “strongly condemned the heinous attack.”
“The Governor describes the barbaric act as unacceptable, and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state,” the statement reads.
“He expresses deep sympathy to families affected by the attack and assures them that the government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.”
Alia said the attacks appeared to follow a pattern that was “calculated and selective” in parts of the state.
The governor added that the incidents have become increasingly hydra-headed in nature and reiterated his “unwavering resolve” to confront and subdue all forms of terror in the state.
He also urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while continuing to support security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing operations.
