Three people have been confirmed dead following a renewed attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Mbasombo community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident, which occurred late Wednesday around 11 p.m., unfolded just a short distance from Makurdi, the state capital.
The assailants reportedly invaded the area, unleashing chaos for over an hour. Several residents sustained injuries, a number of people remain unaccounted for, and many homes were set ablaze.
One of the survivors, Atumegh Ahemga, a local trader, recounted the terrifying ordeal.
According to him, the attackers arrived at night, firing shots in all directions, causing panic and confusion.
“We were already asleep when we heard loud gunfire from different directions. People fled in panic as the attackers burned houses and shot at anyone they saw. Some were killed or seriously injured while trying to escape,” he said.
Ahemga noted that the assault appeared to be unprovoked and left the community in shock.
He lamented the lack of immediate security response, stating that help didn’t come while the attack was ongoing.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Gwer East Local Government, Timothy Adi, said that three deaths had been recorded and that normalcy had since been restored in the area.
Police spokesperson Catherine Anene also verified the attack, adding that security presence in the community had been increased to prevent further violence.
