The number of people killed in the early Saturday attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Agena community in Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, has increased to 11 after two additional bodies were found in the area.

Earlier reports confirmed that nine victims were recovered by Sunday afternoon.

The assault also left one individual injured, while several homes, food storage barns, and the local market were set on fire, resulting in extensive damage across the community.

According to a local resident, more than 50 attackers stormed the village in what seemed to be a well-planned operation.

He explained that the assailants struck around 5 a.m. while residents were still asleep, quietly entering the community before igniting houses and the market, and shooting at anyone they encountered.

Providing an update on Monday, a community mobiliser and leader, Christopher Gbasha, who joined the search efforts, stated that “two more corpses have been discovered in the village to add to the number deposited in the mortuary, so we have 11 deaths now.

“There are no more casualties but the people are scared and have deserted the community. We have youths who are guarding the place. Women and children are out of the village for now for their safety.

“The State Government also sent the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, to the place to take record of the situation.

“They went there and did the documentation and took inventory of the destruction and I was there with them. The place is calm right now,” he added.