Bandits attacked a community opposite the IDP camp at Abagena, Makurdi council area in Benue on Thursday, killing at least eight people, including women and children.

A witness told journalists that eight other people were seriously wounded.

“Some of the victims were beheaded and their heads taken away. The bushes are still being combed in search of more victims. A man, his wife and four children were all wiped out in the attack,” the witness stated.

According to the witness, the casualty figure is likely to increase.

“Three other persons were fatally shot and may not survive the injuries to their chests,’’ the witness said.

When contacted, the police spokesman in Benue, Sewuese Anene, confirmed the attack but could not confirm the number of victims.

Mr Anene said the police had deployed operatives to forestall further attacks. 

(NAN)