Eight Killed as Suspected Herdsmen Attack Benue Community

George Okoh

Suspected herdsmen last Tuesday night attacked Yelwata village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing eight persons. According to a local source, the herdsmen had attacked the busy community market shooting sporadically on anyone in sight.

He revealed that eight people were killed and several others wounded, disclosing that one other person was kidnapped.

According to the source, “It was around 7 p.m. last Tuesday when the herdsmen came straight to the market, where they started shooting and killing people. Some of our people escaped but eight people were killed.

“One person was taken away and we have not heard from him since then.”

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Guma LGA, Caleb Aba, explained that the herders invaded the community on Yelwata market day.

He added that the people were still in the market when the herders opened fire and killed eight people as well as injured two others.

The council chairman said the attack was unprovoked, adding: “Our people had no problems with the herders before they carried out the attack.

“Yesterday was Yelwata market day, and the people were still in the market around 6p.m. when the herdsmen came and started shooting sporadically. In the end, eight people were killed, two injured, and one person who was abducted is yet to be released till now.”

Aba further said the injured people were taken to a private hospital for treatment because the government hospitals are still on strike.

On his own, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Catherine Anene, confirmed that six persons were killed.

According to her, “Six persons were shot and almost dead at that point, but were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital while two persons are still receiving treatment as at this morning.