At least 17 people were killed in Mbalom community, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, during an Easter Sunday attack by suspected armed herders. The assault left homes destroyed, residents displaced, and many still missing as search efforts continue.
Suspected Herders Kill 17 in Benue Community Attack
The Incident
On Sunday, April 5, 2026, suspected herders launched a violent attack on Mbalom community in Gwer East LGA, Benue State. The assault coincided with Easter celebrations, catching villagers off guard. Witnesses reported that the attackers stormed the community in the evening, opening fire indiscriminately and setting houses ablaze. The violence lasted for several hours, from around 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
Casualties and Damage
- Fatalities: At least 17 people confirmed dead.
- Missing persons: Several residents remain unaccounted for, with
families searching nearby bushes for survivors or victims.
- Property destruction: Numerous homes and farm structures were burned, displacing many villagers.
Security Context
Prior to the attack, a security alert had been issued about the movement of approximately 50 armed herders dressed in black overalls from Nyiti in Makurdi LGA toward Atondiir in Gwer West, where Easter festivities were planned. Despite this intelligence, the attackers were able to strike Mbalom with devastating effect.
Official Response
- Police: Udeme Edet, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command,
confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing.
- Government: Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as another tragic episode in Benue’s recurring cycle of violence. Relief efforts have been promised, though residents expressed frustration at the lack of proactive security measures.
Historical Context
This attack is part of a pattern of recurring violence in Benue State, often attributed to clashes between herders and farming communities. Mbalom itself has a tragic history, having suffered a massacre in 2018 where priests and worshippers were killed. The community remains a flashpoint in Nigeria’s broader struggle with rural insecurity and herder-farmer conflicts.
Humanitarian Impact
Residents described the attack as “heartbreaking”, noting that families were caught unawares during a religious celebration. Survivors now face displacement, trauma, and uncertainty, with many forced to abandon their homes and farms. Relief materials have been distributed, but locals argue that stronger preventive security measures are urgently needed to stop the cycle of attacks.
Conclusion
The Easter Sunday attack on Mbalom underscores the fragile security situation in Benue State, where rural communities remain vulnerable to armed assaults. With 17 lives lost, homes destroyed, and families displaced, the tragedy highlights the urgent need for effective intelligence response, stronger community protection, and long-term solutions to Nigeria’s herder-farmer conflict.
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