No fewer than 13 people have been confirmed dead following a deadly attack on Efeyi Community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Benue State Police Command confirmed that the attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, triggering the deployment of tactical police units and other security agencies to the affected community.
Spokesperson for the command, DSP Edet Udeme, said in a statement on Tuesday, that security operatives have been mobilized to restore calm, protect residents and prevent any further violence in the area.
According to the police, the bodies of 13 victims have so far been recovered, while several others sustained injuries of varying degrees during the assault.
The injured victims are receiving medical treatment, as local residents and emergency responders continue search-and-rescue operations in the community.
The command assured residents that efforts are ongoing to identify, track and arrest those behind the attack.
The incident has displaced many families, with residents fleeing their homes for fear of further attacks.
Community sources said the assailants, believed to be heavily armed, stormed Efeyi Community before dawn and opened fire on residents, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake.
Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing operations as efforts continue to restore normalcy to the area.