From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
Again, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia have launched a violent attack on Mbasombo community in Gwer East Local Government,Benue state, killing three persons while several others are reportedly missing.
Mbosombo community is just seven minutes drive from Makurdi, the state capital.
The attack occurred on Wednesday night, April 9, 2025.
Witnesses said heavily armed assailants stormed the village under the cover of darkness and opened fire, shooting sporadically and setting houses ablaze.
They said the sudden attack sent fears throughout the community, causing residents to flee into surrounding bushes and nearby villages.
A farmer and resident of Mbasombo, Tersoo Ikyernum said: “We were already asleep when we heard gunshots coming from the direction of the farmlands. At first, we thought it might be thieves, but the shooting became intense. We ran with our children, some without shoes, into the night. I have not seen my younger brother since then.”
Another resident, Iveren Nyikwagh said: “This is a massacre, not just an attack. I am calling on the federal and state government to intensify efforts to secure the people”.
The villagers said the dead were local farmers, who were at home during the attack. They also noted that the casualty figure could be higher as many villagers are still missing.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Timothy Adi said three persons were killed, saying that the situation was relatively calm as at the time of filing this report yesterday.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) CSP Catherine Anene said that three casualties were recorded.