Nigeria, April 5 -- At least 17 people have been reported killed in an attack on Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, in the latest violence to hit the state's rural areas.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday, coincided with Easter celebrations, with residents narrating how the gunmen stormed the community and opened fire on villagers.

Local sources who did not want their names mentioned for security reasons said the assailants also set houses ablaze, displacing many residents, with many missing as search efforts continue.

"This is heartbreaking. People were caught unawares. Many are still missing," a resident said.

Witness accounts indicate that the attackers struck without warning, forcing families to flee into...