Again, armed herders attack Benue community

Scores of people were killed by gunmen suspected to be armed herders who invaded Yelewata town in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

This comes barely 48 hours, two communities, Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa in Makurdi LGA were attacked with 25 people killed.

The latest attack which happened early hours of Saturday, according to locals in the area.

Yelwata is a border town between Nasarawa and Benue States with less than 40 minutes drive to Makurdi, Benue State capital.

A local who did not want to give his name said that the attackers suspected to be armed herders invaded the community around 10:00 p.m on Friday and operated till early hours of Saturday.

He said, “The attackers stormed the town and unleashed terror on innocent residents, killing over 100 people and setting several families ablaze.

“The attack lasted until just before 1:00 a.m, nearly two hours of horror.”

Confirming the attack, Benue State Command Public Relations Officer, DSP, Udeme Edet said that some individuals and the attackers lost their lives during the attack.

She said, “According to our information it happened in the early hours of today (Saturday) when suspected Bandits invaded Yelwata town.

“The police and tactical teams posted to the town and reinforcement responded swiftly to the attack and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange and unfortunately some of the attackers were killed in the process

“But it’s with great sadness that we report that some individuals lost their lives and others sustained injuries”.

The PPRO said that police has not relented and assured that they would continue in pursuit of the attackers and keep Benue people safe.

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