Eight people were killed and five others sustained injuries after suspected gunmen attacked mourners during a funeral gathering in the Otukpo-Nobi community of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack occurred on Sunday as residents gathered to pay their last respects to a deceased community member. Witnesses said the assailants arrived at the venue and opened fire on the mourners before fleeing the area.
The gunmen also reportedly set several thatched houses and a motorcycle ablaze during the attack.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, said security personnel had been deployed to the community, while investigations were underway to identify and arrest those responsible.
Edet said the command had restored calm in the area and urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid the investigation.
While the police confirmed eight deaths, Amnesty International Nigeria said the number of fatalities was higher, alleging that at least 10 people were killed. The organisation condemned the attack and called on the federal and Benue State governments to strengthen security measures to protect residents.
The motive for the attack has not been officially established. However, Benue State has recorded repeated incidents of violence in recent years, with many attacks linked to disputes involving farming and herding communities.
Residents of the affected community appealed to the authorities to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted, while also calling for increased security to prevent similar incidents.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, while security agencies have maintained a heightened presence in the area to reassure residents and prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
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