Ten members of a single family in Kogom Village of Van district of Jos SouthLocal Government Area were killed by rampaging gunmen on Friday, throwing the entire local government into mourning.
The gunmen, numbering about 20, had swooped on the victims while they were gathered with others in their family compound to mourn their dead grandmother and conclude arrangements for her burial.
Three other persons were injured in the attack.
They had shot the victims at close range before hacking those writhing in pains to death. The lucky ones were able to escape into a nearby bush.
Eyewitness accounts put the time of the attack at 8.30pm on Thursday, adding that the gunmen had announced their presence with sporadic shooting into the air, forcing villagers to stay indoors while the attack lasted.
A visit to the scene of the attack found at least 24 empty bullet shells were found at the scene where the dead were lying, while the walls of the building were perforated with bullets.
Three people who sustained injuries in the attack are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Vom, Jos, while the village has been deserted by the people for fear of another attack.
Those killed during the invasion are Jacob Musa, Luka Musa, Sarah Musa, Benjamin Joseph, Blessing Jacob, Naomi, Dachomo, Ayuba Aaron and one Rachael.