ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Gunmen launched a violent attack on mourners following a funeral in the north-central region of Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals, as confirmed by local police on Monday. The tragic incident took place in the early hours of Sunday in the Otukpo-Nobi community, located within Benue state.

According to state police spokesperson Udeme Edet, the attack also left five other individuals wounded. While the specific motivations behind this assault remain unclear, Benue state is known for ongoing tensions between herders and farmers, who frequently clash over access to limited resources. This conflict has marked Benue as a critical food-producing state in Nigeria, with significant implications for local communities.

In recent times, violence in the region has escalated, including a previous incident last year where 150 people were reported killed in the Yelewata community. The continuing violence and insecurity have raised alarms among human rights organizations and locals alike.

Edet further reported that during the attack, several thatched houses were set ablaze, along with a motorcycle. In response to the growing security concerns, additional police officers have been dispatched to the affected area to restore order and ensure the safety of the remaining residents.

Amnesty International Nigeria has challenged the official casualty figures, claiming that at least 10 people lost their lives in the attack. They noted that police often present more conservative estimates in their reports, which can obscure the reality of violence in the region.

The aftermath of the attack has sparked protests among local youth, highlighting their frustrations and demands for an end to raids and abductions that have made daily life intolerable in many parts of Benue state. Amnesty International emphasized the urgent need for the government to fulfill its primary responsibility of safeguarding the lives and properties of its citizens.

The situation in Benue state reflects broader issues of insecurity and violence in Nigeria, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts between various groups over land and resources. The community’s calls for justice and security underline the dire circumstances that many people face in the region, calling for immediate attention from both local and national authorities to address these alarming trends.