17 gunmen die in attacks that killed 20 Nigerian villagers MAKURDI, Nigeria, May 13 (UPI) -- At least three dozen people died in southern Nigeria after a large group of gunmen attacked villagers and burned their homes, officials said. A group of about 19 masked men were involved in the attacks on two villages in Benue state, the Vanguard reported Monday. The report said 20 villagers were among the victims. A witness said the attacks occurred about 6 a.m. Sunday but were halted when a group from another village arrived to help defend the residents. Seventeen attackers died in the resulting clash, witnesses said.