The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that nine people lost their lives in a de.adly Easter Day assault on Mbatsada, a settlement in Mbalom community, Gwer East Local Government Area, with several others left injured
The attack, believed to have been carried out by suspected armed herders, has once again raised alarm over the persistent security issues affecting parts of the state.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Udeme Edet, officers were immediately dispatched after residents raised an alarm.
A combined security team later swept through the area and recovered nine corpses, which were subsequently moved to the General Hospital in Aliade.
Preliminary findings from the police suggest the incident may be connected to escalating tensions within the community, although the exact cause of the violence is still uncertain.
To stabilise the situation, senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and the Area Commander in Gboko, have been sent to oversee security coordination.
The State Criminal Investigation Department has launched a full probe into the killings, while tactical formations such as the Police Mobile Force have been deployed to hunt down those responsible.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, reassured residents of the command’s resolve to protect lives and property.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and assist security agencies with useful information as investigations continue, promising that updates will be provided as more details emerge.
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