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From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
Gunmen suspected to be herders have attacked Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing five people.
The incident took place yesterday afternoon while the people were working on their farms. A source from the community, who identified himself as Orduen, told journalists on phone that the suspected herders invaded the community around 1pm yesterday, and shot at people who were working in their farms.
“They were herders who stormed our community in Yelwata, at about 1pm today (Wednesday); they attacked several people who were working in their farms with guns and machetes. Immediately they wrecked the havoc, they fled into the bush. Some of the injured people ran into the community to inform us.
“At the time youths went in search of our people who went to farm, we discovered lifeless bodies of five people, and six people who were injured have been taken to hospital for treatment,” he said.
The chairman of the local government, Mike Uba, who spoke through the security adviser of the council, Waku Christopher, confirmed the killing of five people and said that four people were injured.
“It is true, it is the same herdsmen and farmers; five farmers were attacked in their farms and killed, and three or four other people were butchered and injured,” he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, stating that officers had been deployed to the community.
She said, “Attack at Yelwata community is confirmed. Police officers who were deployed to the area are still in the operation. Details will be revealed as soon as the operation is over, please.”
