10 bodies found after bandits' attack in central Nigeria: police

ABUJA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Ten bodies have so far been found following an attack by suspected bandits in central Nigeria, local police said on Friday.

At least 24 people were reportedly killed in the attack on two villages in the central state of Benue on Thursday.

The police said the 10 corpses were recovered by security personnel deployed to restore law and order in Tse-Audu and Enger villages where the attack occurred.

Police spokesman Moses Yamu told Xinhua most of the bodies were found in surrounding bushes.

More bodies are likely to be found as security operatives continue to comb the bushes and the general area for victims of the attack, a local source said.

The Nigerian parliament on Thursday said it confirmed 24 people were killed in the attack, while several others went missing.

Killings had increased since the start of the year in Benue, where relations between herdsmen and farmers remained tense.

Benue is one of the middle-belt states in Nigeria predominantly inhabited by three tribes.

Barely a month ago, at least 24 people were killed in a similar attack in another area of the state.

Last month, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari visited the state to seek an end to the attacks. Enditem