At least 25 people were killed during early morning attacks on Thursday in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities, located in the North Bank area of Makurdi, Benue State.
Although the Benue State Police Command confirmed the attacks, it did not immediately provide an official death toll.
However, sources told Saturday PUNCH that 25 bodies were recovered following the incident.
Police spokesperson SP Udeme Edet said security personnel had been deployed to the affected areas and investigations were ongoing.
“The police are on the ground there and still gathering information. Be patient, we will make the casualty figure available as soon as we get the complete information,” she said.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, described as armed herders, struck around midnight and continued their assault for nearly two hours.
A resident, who gave his name as Aondofa, said the assailants broke into homes, smashing doors and windows before killing their victims.
“It was unprovoked. Twenty-five corpses, including those of women and children, have been recovered,” he said.
According to him, some residents managed to escape, while others fled into the surrounding area. Several people remain unaccounted for.