Gunmen, on Friday, reportedly killed five police officers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.
Reports said the incident happened around 5am at Ebyia bridge, along Hilltop/Nwoke road.
Earlier on Thursday evening, a retired army officer and 15 others were reportedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen during an attack on Wandor, Mbaikyor community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
The invaders were also reported to have razed over 50 houses, huts, farmlands and food barns in 11 settlements during the attack.
The latest attack came about six years after a similar one by armed herdsmen on St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor Parish, Mbalom Gwer East LGA claimed the lives of two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners.
A survivor of the attack, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the well armed marauders numbering about 40 stormed the community at about 7pm and opened fire on the locals who were taken unawares.
Confirming the development, the Caretaker Chairman of Gwer East LGA, Mrs. Comfort Agbo said: “At the moment there is relative peace in Wandor community. 16 bodies have so far been recovered. Two were injured and are receiving treatment.
“Those who attacked and killed my people are suspected armed herdsmen. The security operatives are currently moving the bodies to the mortuary.”
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent (SP) Catherine Anene, who confirmed the development, said the Commissioner of Police was on his way to the scene of the attack for on-the-spot assessment.
The Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, was said to have also led a delegation to the affected community.