Eyewitnesses say that eight people were killed by bandits in an attack on a community close to an IDP camp in Abagena, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, including a man, his wife, and four children.
The eyewitness said eight other people were seriously injured and were evacuated to a hospital for treatment.
The number of people killed in the attack may rise, according to an eyewitness, because three others who were shot by the bandits may not survive their injuries to their chests.
“Some of the victims were beheaded and their heads taken away. The bushes are still being combed in search of more victims.
“A man, his wife and four children were all wiped out in the attack.
“The casualty figure may likely rise as three other persons were fatally shot and may not survive the injuries to their chests,’’ the eyewitness said.
When contacted, the police spokesman in Benue, SP Sewuese Anene confirmed the attack, adding that the casualty figure has yet to be ascertained.
Anene said the police had deployed personnel to the scene to forestall further attacks.