At least 17 persons have been confirmed dead following a violent attack on Abande settlement in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan District of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack which occurred on Tuesday, reportedly threw the village into chaos, forcing residents to flee for safety as gunmen invaded the area.
Local sources described the attackers as suspected armed herdsmen.
As of 11:55 p.m., bodies of some of the victims were evacuated to Jato Aka by operatives of the mobile police force deployed to the area.
Sources told DAILY POST that a mobile police officer on duty was also confirmed to be among those killed in the attack.
The incident has once again highlighted the worsening security situation in Turan and neighbouring communities, where residents say they continue to live in fear amid repeated violent attacks.
Community leaders and residents are calling on the Federal and Benue State governments, as well as security agencies, to urgently step up efforts to protect lives and property and bring an end to the recurring violence.
Meanwhile, residents have appealed for prayers and support for the people of Turan as the community mourns the victims.
Efforts to confirm the incident from the Spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command,DSP, Udeme Edet was not successful as at the time of this report.
