MAKURDI — At least three people have been confirmed dead following a renewed overnight attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Mbasombo community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which occurred around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, threw the community into chaos. Mbasombo, located less than 10 minutes from Makurdi, the state capital, came under heavy gunfire as the attackers stormed in, shooting indiscriminately and setting houses ablaze.
A survivor, Atumegh Ahemga, a petty trader, recounted the terrifying ordeal.
“We had already gone to bed when heavy gunfire erupted from all directions. People ran for their lives as the attackers shot at anyone they saw and set homes on fire. It was unprovoked and terrifying,” he said.
Ahemga added that the assault lasted for over an hour without any security response. “Families are mourning, and many people are still searching for their missing loved ones,” he lamented.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Timothy Adi, said three people were killed, and several others sustained injuries. He noted that calm has since returned to the area.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, also confirmed the attack. She stated that security personnel have been deployed to the community to forestall further violence.
Wednesday’s attack adds to the series of violent incidents linked to armed herdsmen in Benue, a state long plagued by clashes between farmers and pastoralists.
