Residents of Mbalom Community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State have called on government and security agencies to urgently end the persistent attacks on villagers following a deadly Easter Day attack that left at least nine persons dead and several residents displaced.
In an interview with RBN, the Village Head of Aya Township in Mbalom Council Ward, Zaki Jacob Iortim, described the incident as devastating, with many families displaced and properties destroyed.
He explained that while 11 bodies were initially recovered, ongoing searches in nearby bushes have increased the death toll to about 17, with some residents still unaccounted for after fleeing during the violence.
According to him, many survivors are now stranded without shelter or access to food as fear continues to grip the affected communities.
The community leader further revealed that security personnel only arrived a day after the incident, when mobile police were deployed, stressing the urgent need for reinforcements to prevent further attacks. “The government can help us… add more mobile policemen,” he said, noting that Mbalom has suffered similar assaults in 2014 and 2018.
Also speaking, a retired sergeant, David Mbakaren, urged the government to consider recalling ex-service personnel to strengthen local security architecture and protect vulnerable communities.
Drawing from his military experience, he said the current security presence is inadequate and requires urgent reinforcement. “What you have to do is to recall retired ex-servicemen… soldiers who are still physically and mentally fit,” he said, adding that such personnel can be integrated into community-based security systems to improve response capacity.
Citing global examples, he noted that “Israel has recalled all retired men” during times of conflict, insisting that a similar strategy could help address manpower shortages in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities. He also criticised the reliance on lightly trained local vigilantes, stating that many “don’t qualify on military tactics,” and called for improved training and coordination to better safeguard lives and property.
The Easter Day attack adds to a history of deadly violence in the Mbalom community. In April 2018, suspected herders attacked a Catholic church in the community, killing two priests, Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, and 17 other worshippers during a morning mass.
By Godwin Igber