A sudden wave of violence swept through the Mbatsada communities of Benue State on Tuesday evening, as gunmen — believed to be armed herders — launched a deadly assault that left four people dead, including Akaabo Johnson, a notable chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The coordinated attack, which struck the Mbalom and Mbasombo wards in Gwer East Local Government Area at approximately 4:35 p.m., was described by witnesses as swift and brutal. The assailants, arriving with calculated aggression, opened fire indiscriminately, triggering panic and bloodshed in the rural settlement.
Speaking by phone on Wednesday, Gwer East LGA Chairman Timothy Adi confirmed the fatalities, condemning the violence as unwarranted and deeply troubling. Adi, visibly frustrated, noted that this was the second assault on the council in just two weeks, pointing to what he called a disturbing escalation in attacks by armed herders across the region.
He said that security men had been deployed to the area to secure the boundary lines of the local government area, in a bid to prevent further attacks.
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Adi said, “Four dead bodies among them an APC elder in the ward were recovered and there bodies taken to St. Gregory Hospital morgue.
“I urge residents, particularly the youth, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to relevant security agencies.
“We must remain united and steadfast. This attack is a tragedy, but we will not allow fear to rule us. Governor Alia is not resting—plans are underway to put an end to these unprovoked attacks.”
Chairman Timothy Adi expressed appreciation for Governor Hyacinth Alia, whose swift response and immediate backing enabled the rapid mobilization of security personnel to stabilize the affected communities.
Attempts to obtain official confirmation from the Benue State Police Command proved unsuccessful. Repeated calls to the command’s spokesperson, Catherine Anene, went unanswered, and messages sent to her mobile phone remained unacknowledged as of press time.