At least 45 villagers were killed in a dawn raid Sunday by suspected herdsmen in Nigeria’s central Benue state, a police spokesman and a legislator said.

At least 45 villagers were killed in a dawn raid Sunday by suspected herdsmen in Nigeria's central Benue state, a police spokesman and a legislator said.

"I confirm that 45 people, including women and children, were killed this morning in an attack on Egba village... of Benue state by suspected herdsmen," state police spokesman Austin Ezeani, told AFP.

"Several others were injured in the gun and machete attack," he also said.