In a brutal attack in Nigeria's Benue State, at least 17 people, including two police officers, were killed by armed assailants commonly referred to as "bandits."
The attackers opened fire in the village of Ayati, marking the latest escalation in the ongoing violence plaguing the region.
According to a statement from the Benue State Police, the bodies of the victims have been taken to the Okum General Hospital, and an investigation is underway.
The assailants, described as a large group, stormed the village and began indiscriminately shooting at residents.
Fifteen civilians were killed by gunfire, along with two police officers who were responding to the attack.
The police spokesperson indicated that the attackers were attempting to resist ongoing police operations targeting their criminal activities.
The bandits reportedly fled the scene, taking their dead and wounded with them.
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