No fewer than 13 people have been confirmed dead, while several others remain missing, after suspected herdsmen invaded Efeyi community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, unleashing a wave of bloodshed that forced many villagers to flee for safety.
Eyewitnesses said the armed assailants stormed the settlement on Tuesday morning and opened fire indiscriminately, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes as confusion spread across the community.
According to community members, 13 bodies have been recovered so far, while local security operatives and volunteers continued combing the area for those still unaccounted for.
When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Edet Udeme, said details were still being compiled and promised to provide an update as soon as more information became available.
She added that security personnel had been deployed to the area to restore normalcy and prevent any further breach of peace.
The latest incident has deepened anxiety among locals, who decried the persistent insecurity in the area and urged the state and federal governments to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property.