Gunmen have attacked Bundu-Kahugu community in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing four persons and injuring seven others.
The attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, threw the usually peaceful community into mourning.
Those killed were identified as Apolos Emmanuel, 19; Wilas Yahaya, 25; Darius Sunday, 12; and Nehemiah Jonathan, 25.
Seven other residents sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.
The injured victims were named as Andrew Soda, 40; Dominic Audu, 37; Nabal Gagare, 34; Cornelius Emmanuel, 18; Francis Danzaria, 36; Sani Dini, 19; and Pius Aminu, 20.
Residents said the assailants stormed the community under the cover of darkness, shooting sporadically and causing panic among villagers.
The latest attack is the second deadly incident in the area, recalling a similar assault in 2012 that claimed four lives.
Those killed in the earlier attack were Chindo Mukaddas, Sarah Tatiyan, Jonah Kawari and Daniel Micah.
Community leaders described the renewed violence as shocking, noting that the Kahugu nation had a long-standing reputation for peace.
They stressed that Bundu-Kahugu, one of the seven major communities in Kaguu (Kahugu) nation, had never launched attacks on neighbouring communities.
Residents appealed to the government and security agencies to urgently intervene and protect lives and property in the area.
Efforts to reach security authorities for official reaction were ongoing as of press time.