Gunmen attacked Yelewata in Benue State on Friday night, killing several people.
The deadly attack was reportedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen at about 10 pm.
Many people were also injured in the attack which has left residents traumatized.
Operatives of the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who were alerted, moved to the area but were ambushed in Daudu while en route.
Locals said the attackers came from different directions, causing confusion among security agencies.
Nearly 100 persons lost their lives during the attack.