India, July 13 -- At least 8 people were killed and five others injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire on mourners following a funeral in Nigeria's north-central Benue state, police said.

The attack took place early Sunday in the Otukpo-Nobi community. According to police, the assailants also set several thatched houses and a motorcycle on fire before fleeing. Additional security personnel have since been deployed to the area.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. However, Benue has witnessed recurring violence linked to clashes between herders and farmers over land and resources. Last year, more than 150 people were killed in a similar attack in the state's Yelewata community.

Amnesty International Nigeria claimed the d...