No fewer than 17 persons have been killed in an attack on Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area on Easter Sunday, according to residents.
Witnesses said suspected armed men stormed the community, killing several people and setting houses ablaze, in what marks another incident in the recurring violence affecting parts of Benue State.
Residents reported that at least 17 bodies have been recovered, while many others remain missing as searches continue in nearby bushes.
A local source, who spoke anonymously, said, “This is heartbreaking. People were caught unawares. Many are still missing.”
Several homes were destroyed during the attack, leaving many survivors displaced.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, for confirmation were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.