Several persons are feared dead, while about 30 others have been declared missing following a fresh attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Agadagba community in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

The latest assault came after the attackers had reportedly earlier invaded nearby Ochobo community, where two people were reportedly killed.

Residents were said to have initially repelled an attempt by the gunmen to attack Agadagba. However, the assailants allegedly returned on Saturday evening and unleashed another attack, opening fire on the community and leaving several people dead, while dozens remain unaccounted for.

A resident, who spoke to journalists from a hiding place, recounted the attack, saying the gunmen struck unexpectedly and forced villagers to flee for safety.

“They came shooting sporadically. Many people were killed, while several others escaped into the bush. As I speak with you, about 30 people are still missing, and we don’t know whether they are alive or dead,” the source said.

The resident said panic spread across the community as people ran into surrounding bushes to escape the attackers, adding that the whereabouts of many villagers remained unknown hours after the incident.

The fresh attack adds to the growing wave of violent assaults in parts of Benue State, where communities have repeatedly come under attacks blamed on farmers and herders’ clashes.