I am making a project on my mcpe world, a huge city and i've made residential areas, industries, etc. I've spawned villagers in each house with beds of their own, and i've observed for the past minecraft days that the villagers, even though in a superflat world and in peaceful difficulty, did not have the tendency to leave the area. I've provided the area with good lighting, and a bell that all 24 of them gather and hangout in the evening.

But this one particular time, when i went towards the edge to expand my city, and as i came back i've noticed that only 3-4 villagers were apparent. I thought the rest were inside the factory, so i checked and none was there except these 4 villagers outside.

It was quite strange to me, i searched the whole area and all the houses, and all 20-21 of them disappeared! while the rest 3-4 of them were working in the factory with their work objects like anvils, stone cutter, smoker, etc.

I do not understand what is going on, did i do something wrong? or is this a bug? either way im not sure if it is. I've provided good lighting, a bell, and a bed they go to when its night time, and work stations so they can work. But that one particular time when i came back from planning my city they just poofed.

apologies for the long text, as i want to express my issue here in more detail so i would not miss any important information. if this is a bug, please fix it in the next update its a great game, and im having fun playing. Its just that once the city was lively, then on the next they disappeared and left it like a ghost town. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Helmus