Armed men have killed no fewer than 17 people in a renewed attacks on three communities in Entekpa Ward in Adoka District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Communities reportedly attacked by the unknown gunmen include Iwili, Umogidi and Opaha in Entekpa ward of Adoka district in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Alfred Oketa Omakwu, said seven dead bodies had been recovered as of Tuesday afternoon, with the aid of soldiers deployed in the area.
Omakwu said the search for more bodies would continue when the soldiers return.
A resident, who pleaded anonymity, said a total of 17 people were feared killed while four persons had been buried.
He said, “We fear that more people have been killed, although four bodies were recovered on Monday night. Altogether 17 persons are missing. We think they might have all been killed but we are still combing the bushes in search of them.
“The attack started on Saturday after a rumour broke out a day earlier that the gunmen were advancing from Agatu Local Government Area towards the Otukpo area bounding the affected area.
“As we speak, search parties who went to recover bodies of missing persons in the bush came under attacks by the armed invaders and we are hearing that more people may have been gunned down too.”
According to him, villagers have deserted their homes in the affected areas as the marauders have continued to threaten the troubled Umogidi, Iwilli and Opaha.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, said she had yet to get any report on the incident.