No fewer than 17 dead bodies have been discovered suspected terrorists launched brutal attacks on Mbalom Community, Gwer East, Benue State during Easter Sunday.
The attack, is deepening fears and raising questions amongst residents about the current security measures in curbing the bloodsheds.
Many people are said to he missing, while some houses burnt, destroyed by bandits, according to dependable security sources in the State.
The Community was thrown into panic and mourning when the militia stormed the locality unexpected and fired gunshots, witnesses said.
By Sunday evening, at least 17 bodies had been recovered, while many others remain unaccounted for with scores of families being displaced.
A resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity described the incident as devastating.
“This is heartbreaking. People were caught unawares. Many are still missing,” he said.
The Benue state Governor, Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the heinous attack, which he said was carried out by suspected armed herdsmen.
Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary, the Governor in a statement, described the barbaric act as unacceptable, and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state.
He expressed deep sympathy to families affected by the attack and assured them that the government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.
While reassured the government unwavering resolve to confront and subdue all forms of criminality threatening the safety of troubled Benue communities.
The Governor lauded security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force in the theater of war, for their swift response and ongoing efforts, noting their assurance that they are on the heels of the perpetrators and will ensure their arrest and prosecution.
Alia also urged them to intensify operations to forestall further occurrences and bring lasting relief to affected communities.
A Facebook user, Ikpe Samuel, shared his thought on social media and photographs in the attack, described by many as one too many.
He wrote: “Today, Easter Sunday, Fulani terrorists attacked Mbalom, Gwer East, Benue State.
“The number of people killed still counting as 17 dead bodies discovered, many people missing. Many houses destroyed”, Samuel said.
For many residents, however, the latest tragedy reopens painful memories of a similar attack on the same community.
In April 2018, suspected armed herdsmen invaded St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Ayar Mbalom, killing two priests; Rev. Fr. Joseph Gor and Rev. Fr. Felix Tyolaha, alongside 16 parishioners during an early morning Mass.
The recurrence of such deadly assaults in Mbalom has left the community gripped by fear and grief, with survivors calling for urgent and decisive action to end the cycle of violence that 
continues to claim innocent lives.
This is really sad