By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
No fewer than nine persons were killed on Holy Saturday following an attack by suspected terrorists on Mbalom-Mbatsada-Agana communities in Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Chairman of Gwer LGA, Timothy Adi, who confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, said one person sustained critical injuries and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Adi disclosed that the attackers stormed the communities between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., carrying out what he described as a heinous assault on residents.
He further revealed that the State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Enemari, visited the affected area to assess the level of destruction and subsequently deployed security personnel to restore calm.
“The area is peaceful at the moment,” Adi said.
Sources indicated that prior to the incident, there had been security alerts warning of a possible attack on the communities.
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has strongly condemned the killings, describing the act as “barbaric, heinous and unacceptable.”
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the attack, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen, was a direct affront to the peace and security of the state.
Alia expressed deep sympathy to families of the victims and assured them of the government’s support during the difficult period.
He also raised concern over what he described as a pattern of calculated and selective attacks in parts of the state, stressing that such acts of violence would not be allowed to persist.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, vowing to confront and subdue all forms of criminality threatening Benue communities.
He commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their prompt response and ongoing efforts, noting assurances that the perpetrators would be apprehended and prosecuted.
Alia urged security operatives to intensify their operations to prevent further attacks and provide lasting relief to affected communities.
While calling on residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, the governor appealed for continued cooperation with security agencies through the provision of credible information.
“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,” he stated.
