The state security adviser of Benue state, Paul Hemba Friday spoke to Lagos based media outlet Channels TV where he reported that there was an attack on Thursday night just opposite the Abagana Camp for internally displaced people, in the town Markudi.
Hemba also said the attack was conducted by armed men who decapitated some of the victims, took the lives of eight people and left eight injured, adding that three were left with severe chest injuries.
Local authorities that spoke to VOA say no group has claimed responsibility of the attack, however they suspect that it was carried out by ethnic Fulani herders.
Authorities also say Benue state and its neighboring Nassarawa state have experienced several clashes between farmers and herders that have resulted in the death of scores of people.
Thursday’s attack was the second attack near the Abagana camp in two years, with the first one being carried out in 2021 that resulted in the death of seven people.
Yar Sewuese, the police spokesperson for Benue state said authorities are investigating the recent attack and will soon speak on their findings.
“At the moment I can only confirm that there was an attack last night and they (police) are on it,” said Sewuese.
“Some persons died, some were injured, and the commissioner is on his way to that place so maybe in two hours’ time they’ll be done with that venue, and they’ll speak with me,” added the police spokesperson.