By Ekani Olikita
Easter celebrations in central Nigeria State of Benue turned bloody following the gruesome murder of 17 Christians by Fulani Jihadists, according to residents.
The assault targeted Mbalom, (“mm-bah-LOM”) a predominantly Christian farming village in Gwer East County (Local Government Area), located 37 miles Southwest of Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, late Saturday, April 4, 2026, as residents were preparing for Easter Vigil, one of the most sacred observances in the Christian calendar.
Local sources and eyewitnesses told TruthNigeria that at least 17 people were killed in the coordinated attack.
However, Nigerian authorities, including police and local officials, reported a lower death toll of nine.
A Night of Violence
Witnesses described the attack as sudden and highly organized.
“About 50 heavily armed Fulani Ethnic Militia entered Mbalom community on Easter Eve at about 7 pm with about 25 motorcycles, chanting ‘Allahu Akbar,’ shooting indiscriminately and torching homes, sending residents fleeing into nearby bushes. More than 17 people lost their lives in the attack,” Terna Stephen, a resident of Mbalom told TruthNigeria.
“We saw this coming. For weeks, there were signs of armed Fulani men moving in nearby areas and we alerted authorities, but no action was taken,” Stephen added.
Another resident, Grace Iortyer, said families were caught completely off guard.
“The attackers were Fulani as they were heard speaking their language which we are familiar with. We were preparing for Easter vigil when we heard gunshots getting closer. Before we knew it, many were gunned down, houses were burning. I lost my brother and two neighbors. In total, we lost more than 17 people. We had no protection. Nobody came to help us,” Iortyer told TruthNigeria.
Sunday Hemba, a community leader in the community, expressed frustration in a phone interview with TruthNigeria over what he described as repeated security failures.
“This community has been under threat for a long time. Many people had already left because of fear,” he said. “We reported suspicious activities of armed Fulani militia, but nothing was done. Now more innocent lives have been lost.”
Officials Confirm Attack
Timothy Adi, chairman of Gwer East Local Government Area in an interview with TruthNigeria, confirmed the attack and said nine bodies had been recovered so far.
“The coordinated attack happened Saturday evening as people prepared for Easter vigil,” Adi said. “We recovered two bodies that night and seven more this morning.”
Police spokesperson DSP Edet Udeme also confirmed the massacre, stating that security forces have been deployed to the area.
“We have recovered nine bodies and stabilized the situation,” she said, adding that arrests have not been made yet, she told TruthNigeria
Governor Condemns ‘Barbaric’ Killings
Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia condemned the violence, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
In a statement released Sunday, the governor expressed sympathy for victims’ families and assured residents that the government would take steps to restore security.
“The attack is a direct affront to the peace and stability of our state,” according to the statement read.
Painful Deja Vu
The latest violence has revived memories of a similar tragedy in April 2018, when Fulani jihadists attacked St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Mbalom, killing two priests and 17 worshippers during a morning Mass.
Sabo Samson, a retired military officer and security analyst, said the deadly attack highlights systemic weaknesses in Nigeria’s security response.
“What we are seeing is a recurring failure of preventive security,” Samson said. “When communities raise alarms and no action follows, it emboldens attackers”, he told TruthNigeria
He added that the timing of the assault, during a major religious observance, suggests an intent to inflict maximum psychological impact.
Region Under Strain
Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket,” has experienced repeated violence by Fulani terrorists in recent years, particularly in rural areas with limited security presence.
Fulani Ethnic Militia have been linked to thousands of deadly attacks across Nigeria. According to the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, Fulani militants were responsible for killing almost 24,000 civilians in a recent 4-year reporting period, making the conflict one of the deadliest in the country’s recent history.
Despite government assurances, residents say attacks continue with little warning and minimal intervention.
For the people of Mbalom, this year’s Easter, traditionally a time of hope and renewal, has instead become a moment of mourning.
Ekani Olikita is a Conflict Reporter for TruthNigeria.
