Armed Fulani bandits launched a fresh, deadly attack on the Agana/Mbatsada community of Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving at least ten people dead.

Sunday Telegraph gathered that the attackers invaded the village at about 4:00 pm on Saturday, shooting sporadically. Several people who were reportedly injured during the attack are receiving treatment at various hospitals in the area.

According to local sources, the attack led to multiple casualties. Some of the names of those killed include: Zawua Timothy Gbasha, Akenawe Oraduen David aka Igyoi, Binta Aondoakaa, Binta Asunda, Chenkele, Ayange Gbogbo aka Area Fada, Suega Adee aka Usman, Ajam Ageli and Spaco aka Insexy.

“The youths are still searching as more people were said to be missing”, one of those on the rescue team told Sunday Telegraph.

Scores of residents from the affected communities have fled their homes, seeking refuge in safer locations, including Ikpayongo in Mbasombo and Ayar in Mbalom Council Ward.

Community youths were intensifying search efforts, as several persons are still reported missing.

The incident has further heightened tension in the area, with residents calling for urgent intervention by security agencies to restore peace and prevent further loss of lives.

Authorities were yet to release official statements at the time of filing this report.

It would be recalled that Ayar Mbalom is a community where two Catholic Priests, Rev. Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, were gruesomely killed alongside 17 parishioners in an attack on St. Ignatius Quasi-Parish on April 24, 2018.