ABUJA, Nigeria (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Fulani herdsmen on Tuesday (Oct. 1), attacked a predominantly Christian village in central Nigeria, killing seven people, area residents said.

The herdsmen raided Egwuma village, Agatu County, Benue state at about 5 p.m., said Philip Ebenyakwu, chairman of the Agatu Local Government Council in a press statement.

“They began shooting sporadically at the villagers when they got into the village,” Ebenyakwu said. “They killed seven people, and this is aside from those injured during the attack. We have also contacted security agencies, and they are mobilizing to go after the invaders.”

Area resident Edwin Ogbanje said the assailants were Fulani herdsmen militia who left a trail of devastation.

“It’s imperative that a thorough investigation be carried out into this incident and hold those responsible accountable,” Ogbanje said. “These Fulani herdsmen attacks have been on the rise, with reports indicating that they have become one of the deadliest terrorist groups in the world. The Nigerian government must take decisive action to address this growing threat and protect its citizens.”

Audu Sule, a former legislator in the Benue State House of Assembly, said Egwuma village is less than a kilometer from his home in Ogwule.

“Those killed include the community leader and six members of his community,” Sule said.

Sule said the attack was the fourth in the area in past month.

“The deadly activities of herdsmen in our area have not been brought to an end by the authorities of this country,” he said….