On the night of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the tranquil Mbasombo community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State was thrown into chaos when armed individuals, believed to be herders, launched a deadly attack. The assault resulted in the death of three residents, injuries to several others, and the destruction of properties, leaving the community in deep mourning and fear.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred late at night while villagers were fast asleep. A resident, who identified himself simply as Abraham, described how the assailants struck under the cover of darkness, catching everyone off guard. Gunshots suddenly rang out across the village, creating confusion and panic. The attackers reportedly fired indiscriminately at homes and passersby, prompting residents to flee into nearby bushes or neighboring communities in a desperate attempt to escape the violence.
“We were already asleep when gunshots woke us up,” Abraham said. “They shot at anything that moved and set several houses on fire. People were running in every direction. It was terrifying.” He added that in the aftermath of the incident, three corpses were found, and many others were taken to nearby hospitals with injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to burns sustained during the chaos.
This horrific incident comes barely a day after a similar attack was reported in Gwer West Local Government Area, also in Benue State, where two people were killed under comparable circumstances. The frequency of such attacks has heightened concerns about the safety of communities in the region, particularly rural settlements that lack strong security presence.
When contacted, the Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Timothy Adi, confirmed the attack and the reported deaths. Although he was in a meeting at the time, he stated that the situation had calmed slightly since the night of the assault. “Yes, three people died. The community is still tense, but things are a bit calmer now,” he said.
Similarly, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Catherine Anene. In a brief response sent via text, she stated, “Incident confirmed,” offering no further details at the time.
The tragic event is one more addition to the long list of violent clashes between farmers and herders in Benue State, which has been a flashpoint in the broader national crisis over land use and grazing rights. For years, these conflicts have caused widespread devastation, displacing thousands and leading to the deaths of hundreds of people. Despite various interventions and policy efforts, such as the anti-open grazing law enacted by the Benue State government, violent encounters between the two groups persist.
Many residents and local leaders believe that the continued attacks point to a larger failure in security and governance. Rural communities like Mbasombo are often left to fend for themselves with little or no government protection. “We keep crying out for help, but it seems no one is listening,” said another resident, who asked not to be named. “Until when will we keep burying our loved ones?”
Civil society organizations and human rights groups have also raised alarms over the increasing frequency of such attacks and the seeming lack of accountability. They have called on both the federal and state governments to strengthen security across the region and provide affected communities with immediate support and long-term solutions to end the cycle of violence.
Several political leaders have echoed these calls, urging for urgent and decisive action. Some advocate for a nationwide ban on open grazing and stronger enforcement mechanisms to resolve the land-use disputes at the heart of the conflict. Others suggest that community policing and intelligence gathering could help preempt future attacks.
In response to the growing outcry, the state government has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens. However, many feel that words have not translated into effective action. Survivors of the Mbasombo attack now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ruins left behind. Homes have been destroyed, livelihoods disrupted, and a sense of security shattered.
For families who lost loved ones, the pain is immeasurable. “We want justice. We want peace. But more than anything, we want to live without fear,” said a grieving relative of one of the victims. The emotional toll on the community is compounded by the physical destruction and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
As investigations into the incident begin, the residents of Mbasombo and neighboring communities remain on high alert, worried about the possibility of more attacks. Schools and markets have seen reduced activity, and many villagers now sleep in hiding for fear of being attacked again.
The Mbasombo attack is a grim reminder of the urgent need for concrete and sustained efforts to resolve the farmer-herder crisis in Nigeria. While dialogues, policies, and legal frameworks are essential, they must be backed by effective implementation, community engagement, and a commitment to justice and peace.
Until then, rural communities in Benue and across the country continue to live under the shadow of violence, praying that the night does not bring another round of bloodshed.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0