Suspected Fulani herdsmen launched a fresh assault on Mbaivur community in the early hours of Sunday, targeting Tse Hyiongo, a settlement near the Air Force Base in Makurdi, Benue State.
According to reports, the assailants invaded the community late Saturday night and continued their attack into Sunday morning, sparking chaos and fear among residents. Eyewitnesses described the attack as prolonged and intense, with gunshots echoing across the village as people fled for safety.
Disturbingly, there was no immediate response from security personnel reportedly stationed nearby, leaving the community vulnerable throughout the onslaught. As of the time of this report, the exact number of casualties remains unknown.
This latest attack comes just a day after a separate massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of the state, where over 200 people were reportedly killed in what is now being described as one of the bloodiest incidents in Benue’s recent history.
Efforts to obtain official statements from the Benue State Police Command and the Nigerian Air Force authorities in Makurdi have so far been unsuccessful.
Residents and advocacy groups have renewed calls for urgent and decisive government action to end the cycle of violence plaguing communities in Benue State.
What you should know
The attack on Mbaivur marks the second major assault in Benue State within 48 hours, raising concerns over the deteriorating security situation and the apparent inaction of security forces despite the proximity of military installations.
