Armed herders kill three in Benue

Suspected armed herders on Monday invaded Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing three people and injuring another three.

According to locals, the suspected armed herders attacked the community at around 7:00 a.m. on Monday, shooting sporadically.

A youth leader, Achii Matthias, who spoke to newsmen on Monday, said the killings sparked a protest in the community.

Several people reportedly stormed the Makurdi/Lafia/Abuja federal highway, protesting the killings and displaying the bodies of the deceased.

According to Matthias, “The attackers are Fulanis.” He said the assailants, whom he described as Fulani herders, unleashed terror on the community at around 7:00 a.m. on Monday.

“Three people were killed and three others injured. Our people are protesting because, despite the presence of about 200 security men in Yelwata and its environs, the Fulanis still attacked today in broad daylight.

“As I am talking to you now, the Security Adviser to the Governor and the Chairman of Guma LGA are here assessing the situation,” he added.

When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, confirmed the report and said the attack occurred in a community close to Yelwata.

Har said, “It is true there was an attack today, and it happened in a community close to Yelwata. Three people were killed and three others injured. The road that was blocked has been opened.”

Spokesperson for the Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she would soon respond to the incident.

She said, “Please, I will soon get back to you on the incident.”

It will be recalled that Yelwata was attacked on 13 June, with about 200 people killed in a midnight assault on the community.

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