Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly killed several people in a fresh attack on communities in Mbaterem, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attackers, reportedly riding motorcycles, invaded Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Aboajio and Yina communities at about 5am on Sunday, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee into the bushes for safety.
A resident, Emmanuel Oryiman Mbatsavdue, said four people had been confirmed dead in Aboajio alone, while residents continued searching for missing family members.
He said the casualty figure could rise as the search for victims and missing residents continued.
The Executive Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Hon. Jonathan Modi, confirmed that an attack occurred but said the exact number of casualties had yet to be established.
Modi said security operatives were still in the bush assessing the situation.
When contacted, the spokesman of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, also confirmed the attack in Ukum Local Government Area.
He said the command would provide more details as soon as they became available.
The latest attack has heightened concerns over the security situation in parts of Benue State, where communities have continued to face attacks by armed groups.
