A wave of terror swept through Nzaav, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State last night as armed Fulani herdsmen allegedly attacked and burned down St. Stephen Catholic Church Zangwa.
The assault, which left the place of worship in ruins, has sent shockwaves through the community, deepening fears of escalating violence in the region.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers stormed the church premises under the cover of darkness, setting it ablaze before fleeing.
By the time locals arrived to assess the damage, the entire structure had been reduced to ashes. Residents said the attack appeared to be a deliberate effort to instill fear and displace people from their ancestral homes.
Community leaders and church members have condemned the attack, calling it an assault on religious freedom and a further sign of the worsening security situation in Benue State.
Many fear that this incident could trigger fresh tensions between locals and herdsmen, who have been locked in long-standing conflicts over land and grazing rights.
A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented the devastation, stating that the church was not just a place of worship but a sanctuary for the community.
"We have nowhere to turn to. This was our place of hope, and now it’s gone. The government must act before things get out of hand."
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but security agencies have reportedly been alerted to the situation.
It remains unclear if there were any casualties, though the destruction of the church marks yet another violent incident in the ongoing crisis between herders and farmers in the Middle Belt region.
As the nation grapples with rising insecurity, residents of Kwande LGA are calling for urgent intervention from the federal and state governments.
Many have fled their homes in fear of further attacks, leaving behind their belongings in search of safety.
Religious and civil society groups have also joined the call for justice, urging security forces to investigate and bring the perpetrators to book.
With tensions rising, there are growing concerns that if urgent steps are not taken, this attack could lead to more reprisals and bloodshed in the region.