No fewer than 30 people were killed in Ayati community situated in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, on Thursday night.
According to locals obtained by Nigerian Tribune, the attack was carried out by local bandits in collaboration with Fulani herders.
A resident, who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisals, told reporters that the Ayongou factional group of bandits teamed up with the herders to launch the attack on the community.
Shima Ayati, a community leader and former governorship aspirant, also confirmed the incident, stating that more than 30 bodies had been recovered so far.
Ayati explained that the violence was triggered after some bandits reportedly received payment from herders to graze their animals on land within two council wards.
Angered by this, the herders allegedly joined forces with the bandits to attack the village, leading to the massacre.
