Deadly Easter attacks: Pastoralists, militants claim 16 lives in Benue, Kaduna states

At least 16 people lost their lives in separate violent incidents that occurred in Benue and Kaduna states during the Easter celebrations, prompting urgent calls for enhanced security measures and leaving communities in a state of mourning.

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In Benue State, a brutal attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Agena community in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area, resulted in the deaths of nine residents, with the attackers, numbering over 50, setting homes, the local market, and food barns ablaze.

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Several others remain missing, and one victim is receiving medical attention, as a resident recounted the horrific scene, saying, “As people tried to flee, the gunmen opened fire, killing innocent residents, with nine bodies recovered, but many still missing.”

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The Security Adviser to the Gwer East Local Government Chairman, Mr. Austin Awua, confirmed the attack and stated that security forces had been deployed to prevent further attacks, as the situation continues to unfold.

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Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the assault, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable,” and a direct threat to peace in the state, saying, “This attack on Mbalom during Easter highlights the recurring security challenges we face.”

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The governor further stated, “The perpetrators will be apprehended and prosecuted, and the government remains committed to protecting lives,” in a statement issued in response to the attack.

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In a separate incident, terrorists targeted two Christian worship centres in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, in Kaduna State, killing at least seven people and abducting several others during Easter services at First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church.

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Residents reported that poor telecommunications coverage delayed the immediate response to the attack, but troops of the Nigerian Army swiftly intervened, rescuing 31 abducted worshippers, including one injured victim receiving medical attention.

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Five bodies of victims killed before the military’s arrival were recovered, while bloodstains along escape routes suggested further casualties among the fleeing attackers, as military sources said troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to abandon the hostages.

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Operations have intensified to track down the assailants and secure the area, with additional troops deployed to reinforce security, prevent further attacks, and reassure residents, as the Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to protecting lives.

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The Nigerian Army urged the public to provide credible information to support ongoing operations, as the dual attacks during the Easter celebrations underscore the persistent security challenges in parts of Benue and Kaduna states.

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In Borno State, four police officers and a local hunter were killed in coordinated attacks by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists on Nganzai and Damasak communities, according to the state Police Command.

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This came as Taraba State police arrested suspects allegedly responsible for the killing of three officers in Donga Local Government Area, in a separate development.

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Borno State Police spokesperson Nahum Daso said insurgents stormed Nganzai Divisional Police Headquarters around 1 a.m. on Saturday, attempting to overrun the town, with officers, supported by the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and a crack squad, engaging the attackers in a gun battle.

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The deceased officers were Samuel Ezekiel, Sanusi Mohammed, Bitrus Luka, and Shaibu Bukar, as the terrorists deployed rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and other weapons, damaging part of the station and partially burning an unserviceable armoured personnel carrier.

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At about 2:40 a.m., attackers struck the Mallam Fatori IDP camp in Damasak, targeting a joint security post manned by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters, resulting in the death of one hunter, Atom Abua, and the destruction of about 20 thatched houses.

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Combined teams of police, military, CJTF, and hunters repelled the attackers, preventing further casualties, as the situation was brought under control.

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In Taraba State, police arrested suspects allegedly responsible for killing three officers in Donga Local Government Area, with the attack occurring two weeks ago when officers responding to a distress call after gunmen attacked Tse Kwe village in Tor Damisa were ambushed, leaving the leader of a local vigilante group dead.

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Two suspects from Akente village have been apprehended, and all stolen service firearms recovered, as the police continue to investigate the incident.