Armed robbers reportedly invaded the Nagi community in the Mbachohon Council Ward of the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, killing at least five residents.
According to the villagers, seven other people were hurt in the attack on Thursday at 5 o'clock.
The residents claimed that the gunmen had previously tried to fire on Naka town, the Gwer West LGA's administrative centre, but had been repelled by security personnel.
They claimed that after killing the five victims—two women and three men—the gunmen left and subsequently stormed the Nagi hamlet, where more than 50 homes, including the palace of the community's traditional ruler, were burned down.
Lt. Col. Paul Hemba, the special adviser to the governor of Benue State, confirmed the event to news crews in Makurdi on Friday. He said that "They (the assailants) came as usual, and it was an unprovoked attack on the community.
“However, the damage would have been more than that but for the timely intervention of the military who chased them away before they could cause more havoc.
“Five persons died. Security has been beefed up and the military has sent in reinforcements and they have actually succeeded in stabilising the situation in the area. So everything is calm now.”