At least 20 persons have been reportedly killed while several other were wounded after suspected herdsmen attacked Odugbeho village in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

State Police spokesperson, Kate Anene, confirmed the attack in a text message.

“The commissioner of police has deployed more police officers to manage the incident and forestall further breakdown of law and order. Number of victims is yet to be ascertained as officers are still engaged in stabilising the area,” she said.

The Nation reported that the attack took place on Sunday.

An eye witness identified as resident Isaac Oche, said the suspected herdsmen invaded their village around 5.45 pm and started shooting at anyone in sight till 6:40 am.

Oche further said that about 20 bodies have been recovered, while the search for more continues.

“We cannot stay any longer to recover all the dead bodies this night because it is dark and no security, I believe more bodies will be recovered when the day breaks and security agents are around,” he said.

He said the herdsmen, believed to have come from Nasarawa State, took them unawares.

Oche confirmed that the attackers killed so many people because it was a Sunday when most people were at home.

Another resident, Iyu Goche, said he was one of the youths who searched and recovered the bodies, adding that the death toll would rise yesterday morning.