A fresh overnight attack by armed herdsmen on the Mbasombo community in Benue State’s Gwer East Local Government Area has resulted in the deaths of at least three people.
The attack, which started Wednesday night at around 11 p.m. and lasted for more than an hour, left many people injured, others missing, and several houses destroyed. The community is less than a ten-minute drive from Makurdi, the state capital.
Atumegh Ahemga, a local petty trader and attack survivor, revealed that the armed herdsmen periodically stormed the community and opened fire.
He said: “We have gone to bed when the heavy sound of gunshots came from different directions. Nobody knew what was happening.
“People came out of their houses and ran in different directions because the attackers who were herders were shooting and burning down the houses of the people.
“As people ran, they were shooting at them and whoever they caught up with was either killed or maimed. It was horrific but luckily alot of people escaped to neighbouring villages but about three persons lost their lives, though many sustained injuries and the attackers also burnt down several houses.
“This attack was unprovoked and no one can tell why the armed herdsmen decided to invade Mbasombo. And for the over one hour that the attack lasted, security personnel did not come to the aid of the people. It was a sad experience because people have lost ones, many are still missing and accounted for. It has been a horrific experience for people.”
When contacted, Timothy Adi, the chairman of the Gwer council, confirmed the attack and stated that three fatalities had been confirmed thus far, and that the community was now calm.
Community security has been strengthened, according to Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer who also verified the development.
