Gunmen attacked! 24 villagers killed

BY A STAFF REPORTER: Gunmen have killed 24 villagers in remote areas of north-central Nigeria, raising further concerns about the West African country's ongoing security challenges.

Tersu Kula, spokesman for the Governor of Benue State, said the gunmen shot dead villagers when they reached Akpuna village in Ukum district of Benue State on Saturday.

Pointing to armed groups in nigeria's northwest and central regions, police blamed a "militia gang" for the attacks, which killed thousands of people in armed violence last year.

"Eight bodies were recovered from the scene," police spokeswoman Catherine Anne said in Benue. Local officials, including lawmaker Ezra Nyong'o, said at least 24 people were killed and several wounded. '

Benue Governor Hyacinth Yormem Alia said the attack was carried out without any provocation and security agents had been ordered to trace the suspects. The government will do its best to prevent such incidents and take measures that do not happen again. '