18 civilians killed in central Nigeria attack

At least 18 civilians have been were killed in an attack by armed bandits on a village in Nigeria's central state of Benue, an official said Monday.

Scores of residents were also injured in the attack on the Iye village in the Guma local government area of the state on Sunday, said Christopher Waku, a security official of the Guma local government area, in a telephone interview, reports Xinhua.

"Eighteen people were killed at the Iye village in Guma Local Government Area yesterday (Sunday) between 6:00 and 7:00 pm," Waku said.

According to reports by local media, Catherine Anene, a spokesperson for the Benue police, said several bodies among those killed were recovered on Monday morning, while one of the attackers was also killed.

She said police operatives were on the trail of the fleeing gunmen and urged local residents to assist the police with information.

Armed attacks have been a primary security threat in some regions of Nigeria, leading to deaths and kidnappings in recent months