Two weeks after the violent protests in Zaki Biam that resulted in three deaths and significant property destruction, the residents of Mbacher council ward in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State are once again mourning.
Early on Saturday, a suspected militia group launched a brutal attack, leaving 18 people dead, three others kidnapped, and properties worth millions of Naira destroyed. The incident has also resulted in two injuries and the displacement of many residents who now live in fear of further violence.
Eyewitnesses describe a horrifying scene. “The militia stormed the village in large numbers and opened fire on people,” said a local source. The attack was swift and merciless, catching the villagers off guard and causing chaos and panic.
When contacted, Justine Shaku, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, confirmed the attack. Speaking to journalists over the phone from Makurdi, Shaku revealed that the military had received intelligence about a possible attack on Mbacher village. However, the militia managed to execute their plan before the soldiers could intervene.
“Yes, I can confirm that 18 persons were killed and two others wounded by ‘terrorist’ bandits in my local government area,” Shaku said. “We received a distress call from the villagers that some group of terrorists mobilized themselves and were moving from house to house, forcing people to follow them.
Some were wounded. Yesterday night, I was told it was seventeen people who died, but today, eighteen persons have been confirmed dead. All of them were assembled in one place and killed.”
The council chairman further disclosed that prior to this deadly attack, there had been several incidents of kidnapping in the area. “Some people were kidnapped, including one Igbo man and his two children,” he said. “Apart from what happened yesterday, we have had pockets of kidnappings in recent days. Kidnapping is also resurfacing in the area.”
The Benue State Police Command has also confirmed the attack. Sewuese Anene, the command’s spokesman, stated in a text message to newsmen that the police are actively investigating the incident and have restored normalcy to the area. However, the sense of security among the residents remains shattered.
The recurrence of such violent attacks in Katsina-Ala highlights the ongoing security challenges facing the region. In addition to the recent kidnappings, this brutal assault on Mbacher village underscores the urgent need for a more robust security presence and proactive measures to prevent further loss of life and property.
The aftermath of the attack has left the community in a state of mourning and fear. Many residents have fled their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas. The once peaceful village is now a landscape of destruction and grief, with families mourning the loss of their loved ones and others dealing with the trauma of the violence.
The local government, in collaboration with security agencies, must intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for this atrocity and bring them to justice. The state and federal governments need to provide support to the victims and ensure that displaced persons receive the necessary aid and assistance.
This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing security issues plaguing various parts of Nigeria. The frequency and brutality of such attacks call for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of violence and improve the overall security architecture in the country.
As the community of Mbacher mourns and rebuilds, it is crucial that the authorities take decisive action to prevent future attacks and restore confidence among the residents. The tragic loss of 18 lives is a somber call to action for all stakeholders to work together towards a more secure and peaceful Nigeria.
