Amnesty International has condemned the killing of at least 10 people in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, describing the attack as another sign of the government’s failure to protect citizens.
According to the organisation, gunmen stormed the community on Sunday during Easter celebrations, killing residents, injuring many others, and setting homes and shops ablaze. Families are still searching for missing loved ones.
In a statement released on Monday, Amnesty International said the attackers struck while people were celebrating, leaving behind widespread destruction and fear. The group noted that beyond the loss of lives, the destruction of property has worsened the suffering of already vulnerable residents.
The organisation criticised Nigerian authorities, saying repeated attacks in Benue State show a pattern of insecurity that has not been properly addressed. It added that thousands of people have been displaced over time, losing access to basic needs such as food, clean water, healthcare, and shelter.
The attack in Mbalom is part of a broader wave of violence that disrupted Easter celebrations in several northern states.
In Benue, suspected armed herders reportedly attacked multiple communities, including Mbalom, Mbatsada, and Agana, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
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The Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Timothy Adi, confirmed the incident, stating that the attack occurred between 5 pm and 6 pm, with several bodies recovered afterward. He described the assault as unprovoked and called on the Federal Government to take urgent action.
Similar attacks were also reported in other states. In Kaduna, gunmen targeted two churches, killing worshippers and abducting several people, though some were later rescued by security forces. In Katsina, a police officer was killed during bandit attacks, while in Borno, suspected insurgents attacked communities, burning homes and displacing residents.
Amnesty International warned that unless urgent steps are taken, the cycle of violence and displacement will continue, leaving more communities exposed and vulnerable.
