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Multiple local sources have reported a deadly attack by armed Fulani militia on the Jande (also known as Agena) community in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, with many residents feared dead.
The incident occurred just hours ago when the attackers reportedly stormed the community, opening fire indiscriminately on residents who were forced to flee for their lives. Details remain sketchy as the situation is still unfolding, but eyewitness accounts shared on social media describe scenes of chaos and panic.
Community members who spoke shortly after the attack expressed deep anger and frustration over what they described as the continued silence of Benue State Governor, Hon. Chief Hyacinth Alia. They alleged that the governor had previously labelled them as cattle rustlers an accusation they strongly deny and claimed this had contributed to their neglect and increased vulnerability to repeated attacks.
The residents further accused Governor Alia of failing to respond adequately to the ongoing killings in the area and, at times, attempting to downplay the crisis by suggesting that such incidents were not happening in the state.
The attack adds to the long-running security challenges in Benue State, where farmer-herder clashes have claimed many lives in recent years. At the time of this report, neither the Benue State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the incident. Further updates are expected as more information emerges from the affected community.
