At least 15 villagers were reportedly killed on Friday after armed attackers suspected to be terrorists invaded the Ojantele community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
Witnesses said the victims were among residents who had gone into nearby bushes to gather fallen cashew nuts after overnight rainfall.
According to residents, most of the victims were women and youths from neighbouring communities, including Asaba and Akpete. They were reportedly collecting cashew nuts around the Ogbaulu area when the attackers suddenly opened fire.
The gunmen allegedly killed at least 15 people and injured several others during the assault.
Residents further claimed that the attackers arrived in the area with a large herd of cattle and began shooting sporadically, forcing villagers returning from their farms to flee for safety.
A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity during a telephone conversation from Makurdi, said that at least 15 bodies had been recovered at the time of the report.
The source added that about 11 other victims sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa Local Government Area, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Some villagers also claimed that several residents remain unaccounted for, including a woman who was reportedly abducted during the attack.
The chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adams Ochega, confirmed that the incident occurred but said he had yet to receive full details as he was away on official duty at the time.
He appealed for patience while efforts are made to gather accurate information about the attack.
As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, had not responded to calls and text messages seeking official comment on the incident.
