No fewer than nine persons have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected gunmen on the Mbalom community in Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which reportedly occurred in broad daylight, has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in parts of the state.
It was gathered that the assailants, suspected to be armed herdsmen, stormed a market in Jande Mbatsada village, where they opened fire on residents.
The attack claimed the lives of nine people, while another victim sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
themomentng reports that the Chairman of Gwer-East Local Government Area, Timothy Adi, confirmed the incident to journalists in a telephone conversation from Makurdi.
The Sun quoted Adi as saying that the attack occurred between 5 pm and 6 pm on Saturday.
Adi disclosed that security operatives have since moved into the area to restore calm.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ifeanyi Enemari, had visited the community and ordered the deployment of personnel to the affected area.
“The situation is calm now,” he said.
Reacting to the development, the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable.
In a statement, the governor said the assault on the people of Mbalom was a direct affront to the peace and security of the state.
Alia expressed deep sympathy to the families of those who lost their loved ones and assured them of government support.
He also noted with concern what he described as a pattern of “calculated and selective attacks” in parts of the state.
The governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to confront all forms of criminality threatening communities in the state.
According to him, such acts of violence, though becoming increasingly complex, would not be allowed to persist.
Alia commended the efforts of security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their swift response to the incident.
He urged them to intensify ongoing operations to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
While assuring residents of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the governor said measures were being taken to strengthen security architecture and improve intelligence gathering.
He called on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, urging them to support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
