No fewer than 17 persons have reportedly been killed following an attack on Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State on Easter Sunday, according to residents.
The incident adds to ongoing security concerns in parts of the state, where rural communities have continued to experience repeated attacks by suspected armed groups.
Residents said the assailants stormed the community, opening fire on unsuspecting villagers and setting houses ablaze.
At least 17 bodies have been recovered, while several others are still missing as locals search surrounding bushes for possible survivors and victims.
Many homes and properties were destroyed in the attack, leaving a number of residents displaced.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as devastating.
“This is heartbreaking. People were caught unawares. Many are still missing,” the source said.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, for confirmation were unsuccessful as calls were not returned as of the time of filing this report.
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