Again, nine persons have been killed in a fresh attack by gunmen on Mbalom community in Gwer-East Local Government (LG) of Benue State.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened in broad daylight when Herdsmen invaded a market in Jande Mbatsada village and killed nine person.
The Chairman of Gwer East LG, Timothy Adi confirmed atrack to newsmen on phone in Makurdi.
Adi said nine persons were killed, while one person was injured and he is admitted at the hospital.
According to him, the incident happened between 5-6pm on Saturday.
He noted that the state Commissioner of Police(CP), Ifeanyi Enemari, has visited the area and deployed security to the area, adding that the situation is calm now.
Meanwhile, Benue state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack carried out by suspected armed herdsmen on the peace-loving people of Mbalom in the Gwer-East LG.
The Governor described the act as unacceptable and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state.
Alia noted 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, would not be allowed to thrive.
He reiterated his unwavering resolve to confront and subdue all forms of criminality threatening the safety of Benue communities.
He commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their swift response and ongoing efforts to arrest perpetrators and bring them to book .
He urged them to intensify operations to forestall further occurrences and bring lasting relief to affected communities.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by these attacks, Alia assured the people of Benue State that his administration would not relent or leave anything to chance in its duty to safeguard lives and property.
He assured that every necessary measure is being taken to strengthen security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to restore enduring peace.
While calling on residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, Alia charged them to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that can aid ongoing operations.
