MBALOM ATTACKS: BSEMA Conducts Rapid Assessment, Assures Victims of Swift Intervention

As Community Commends Government's Prompt Security Response

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has moved swiftly in the wake of devastating attacks on Mbatsada in Mbalom Council Ward, Gwer East Local Government Area, conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas and assuring victims of prompt intervention.

Swift Mobilisation

Earlier on April 6, 2026, the Permanent Secretary of BENUE-SEMA, Sir James Anodoakaa Iorpuu, PhD, mobilized a rapid assessment team and personally charged them to carry out a thorough evaluation of the situation on the ground.

Addressing bereaved families and displaced persons at Ikpayongo, the Team Lead and Head of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Solomon Azulo, described the assessment as a direct reflection of the Benue State Government's proactive approach to determining the full extent of damage, the number of affected households, and the scale of intervention required.

"This assessment underscores the government's commitment to a coordinated and planned response."

— Mr. Solomon Azulo, Head of Relief and Rehabilitation, BSEMA

Mr. Azulo also extended the agency's deepest condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attacks.

Casualties Rise to Eleven

During the assessment exercise, the team, accompanied by representatives of the Gwer East Local Government Council, led by the Security Adviser to the Chairman, Mr. Awua Austin Terver, visited Jande village in Mbatsada to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the affected areas.

Two additional bodies were discovered at the scene during the visit, bringing the total number of casualties to eleven, including the nine that had been recovered earlier.

Community Appeals for More Security

The Kindred Head of Mbatsada, Chief Iorpinen Gbakaan, expressed appreciation to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for the prompt deployment of security personnel to the community. He however appealed for the establishment of additional security checkpoints at entry and flashpoints between Gwer East and Gwer West Local Government Areas, which he described as particularly vulnerable to attacks.

BENUE-SEMA's Call to Action

The agency commended Governor Alia for the proactive measures taken to prevent further attacks and used the occasion to appeal to members of the affected communities and the general public to always provide timely and credible information to security agencies, as well as traditional and community leaders.

BENUE-SEMA has assured all victims that a swift response to their immediate needs is being coordinated and will follow the completion of the assessment process.

For emergencies and incident reports, contact BENUE-SEMA:
📞 09116000180
🌐 www.benuesema.com