At least 25 persons, including women and children, have been killed by suspected Fulani insurgents at Arikya-Soni, a boundary area between Nasarawa-Eggon and Lafia local government areas of Nasarawa State.
The gunmen reportedly ambushed and killed their victims on their way back from their respective farms early in the morning, seizing nine motorcycles belonging to the deceased persons.
Vanguard reports that a mass burial had yesterday been conducted for the victims after their remains were recovered at Umme, at about 1 pm.
According to a survivor, Mrs. Saratu Mustapha, who is now receiving treatment at Ashangbo clinic in the locality, she was returning from the farm in the company of her husband and sister on a motorcycle when the gunmen attacked them.
She explained that her husband and her sister were among those killed during the attack, but she was lucky to have escaped into the bush.
A member representing the area (Nasarawa Eggon East constituency) in the state House of Assembly, Mohammed Muluku, who led journalists to the scene of the incident, expressed shock over the high casualty figure.
He therefore called on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in the area to prevent further attacks on his constituents.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of Nasarawa State command, confirmed the incident and said investigation had commenced and the perpetrators of the criminal act will be brought to justice.