On Easter Sunday, suspected Fulani terrorists attacked Mbalom community in Gwer East LGA, Benue State, north-central Nigeria, resulting in 17 feared dead and many missing, along with destroyed houses.
Although the youths are searching for reportedly missing residents, the state government has expressed commitment to the security of lives and property.
From eyewitness accounts gathered by Advocatus Africa, residents narrated that the gunmen stormed the community without warning, forcing families to flee into the bush as they rained gunshots on innocent people.
Recall that on 24 April 2018, two Catholic priests, Father Joseph Gor and Father Felix Tyolaha, were killed by about 30 Fulani herder militia who stormed St. Ignatius’ Catholic Church in the St Ignatius Quasi Parish of Makurdi Diocese during morning Mass in the same Mbalom village.
The assailants massacred 19 parishioners, left scores injured, burnt down about 73 homes and destroyed food stores in that attack
A house in Mbalom community, set ablaze by the assailants
Meanwhile, in a press release following the recent attacks, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, Sir Tersoo Kula (mnipr), disclosed that the “Benue state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, strongly condemns the heinous attack carried out by suspected armed herdsmen on the peace-loving people of Mbalom in the Gwer-East Local Government Area.”
The Sunday, April 5, 2026 statement titled “Gov. Alia condemns fresh attack on Mbalom, reaffirms commitment to protect lives and property,” notes that “the Governor describes the barbaric act as unacceptable, and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state.
“He expresses deep sympathy to families affected by the attack and assures them that the government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.”
The Governor emphasised “that every necessary measure is being taken to strengthen security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to restore enduring peace.”
Bodies of some of the victims
The statement urged locals to be vigilant and law-abiding while assisting law enforcement agents with credible information.
“While calling on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, he charged them to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that can aid ongoing operations.
“The Benue State Government under his leadership remains resolute in its commitment to protect its citizens and will not be deterred in its pursuit of peace, justice, and security for all,” he said.
A market in the community burnt by the terrorists
Governor Alia expressed “with grave concern the pattern of what appears to be calculated and selective attacks in parts of the state, stressing that such acts of terror, though increasingly hydra-headed in nature, will not be allowed to thrive.”
He reiterated “his unwavering resolve to confront and subdue all forms of criminality threatening the safety of Benue communities.”
The bodies of those killed being conveyed to the mortuary
Governor Alia commended “security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their swift response and ongoing efforts, noting their assurance that they are on the heels of the perpetrators and will ensure their arrest and prosecution.”
Acknowledging the challenges posed by these attacks, he nonetheless urged security operatives, “to intensify operations to forestall further occurrences and bring lasting relief to affected communities.”
Governor Alia assured the people of Benue State that “his administration will not relent or leave anything to chance in its duty to safeguard lives and property.”
