Residents of Ojantele community along the Abuja–Otukpo Road in Benue State have been thrown into mourning after suspected herdsmen reportedly attacked the area, leaving several persons feared dead.
The attackers were said to have stormed the community on Friday and began shooting at residents, forcing many people to run for safety.
Witnesses in the area said the gunmen arrived in large numbers and unleashed terror on villagers, causing many to flee into nearby bushes.
Local sources claimed that the number of casualties could exceed 20, while several others remain unaccounted for following the attack.
The Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adams Ogwola, confirmed the incident on Friday.
Ogwola, however, said the exact number of those killed had not yet been determined as officials were still assessing the situation.
Security agencies have reportedly been alerted, while efforts are ongoing to restore calm in the affected community.
