The death of at least ten persons in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area, Benue State, has been denounced by Amnesty International, which characterizes the event as part of Nigerian authorities’ ongoing failure to safeguard locals.
The group added that as families are still looking for missing people, gunmen broke into the hamlet on Sunday during Easter celebrations, killing locals, wounding dozens, and damaging homes and businesses.
“Gunmen invaded the village on Sunday while Easter celebrations were ongoing, leaving dozens of people severely injured,” the organization stated in a statement released on Monday via its official account.
It went on to say that “apart from killing people, the gunmen also set many homes and shops on fire,” emphasizing that the state’s overall pattern of insecurity is reflected in this incident.
“The Nigerian authorities have failed the people of Benue State again and again,” the group continued, criticizing the government’s response and pointing out that “frequent attacks by gunmen have deprived thousands of people of their rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, freedom of movement and access to livelihoods.”
Over 500,000 people have been displaced in the state, with many of them residing in camps with poor access to food, water, sanitary facilities, and medical treatment.
Easter celebrations in northern Nigeria were disturbed by a broader wave of violence, which included the incident in Mbalom.
Several communities in the Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, including Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Agana, were allegedly attacked by suspected armed herders, killing locals and causing many to escape.
“The invasion and attacks happened yesterday between 5 pm and 6 pm,” said Timothy Adi, Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, confirming the occurrence. So far, nine bodies have been found—two yesterday and seven today.
He appealed for federal assistance to stop armed groups’ actions, characterizing the incident as unprovoked.
Other states reported similar situations.
Five worshippers were killed and 31 others were kidnapped when gunmen stormed two churches in Ariko Village, Kaduna State; the victims were eventually freed by troops.
While suspected Boko Haram insurgents raided communities in Chibok and other places in Borno State, burning homes and forcing civilians to flee, a police officer in Katsina State was slain during bandit raids in the Musawa and Matazu districts.
