JUST-IN: Gunmen Kill 100, Sack Group In Benue

Armed herders on Saturday launched a brutal in a single day assault on Yelewata Group in Guma native authorities space of Benue State, killing no fewer than 100 folks, most of whom have been internally displaced individuals (IDPs).

In line with Day by day Belief, the assault, which lasted for greater than two hours was the third on the group in a single week.

This newest assault additional heightened fears of ethnic cleaning within the area.

Yelewata lies on the Benue–Nasarawa border, a flashpoint within the ongoing battle between farmers and suspected armed herdsmen.

In a separate however associated incident in Daudu, one other city in Guma LGA situated simply 20 minutes from Makurdi, the state capital, two troopers have been reportedly killed after they have been ambushed throughout a response mission on Friday evening.
Native sources mentioned the attackers stormed Yelewata simply earlier than midnight, laying siege to the group with heavy gunfire and committing arson.

“In earlier assaults, some brave native youths managed to repel them. However this time, the attackers got here in massive numbers with subtle weapons and fully overpowered the group,” a resident mentioned through phone.

A workers of Guma LGA, who requested to not be named, described the scene as “an annihilation of a race,” saying, “Over 100 our bodies have been recovered, and lots of households have been burnt past recognition. These evil bandits poured petrol on shelters and burnt folks of their sleep.”

“Majority of the victims are IDPs staying in market stalls and retailers. A few of the victims are total households — 10 to fifteen members worn out without delay. Over 40 have been rushed to hospitals, however 20 died on the way in which. I’m afraid the loss of life toll could rise to 200,” he added.

President of the Affiliation of United Farmers Benue Valley (AUFBV), Chief Dennis Denen Gbongbon, offered additional particulars, “At about 2am immediately (Saturday), there was a really disturbing safety incident involving Tiv farmers in Yelewata.”

He adde, “Suspected Lakurawa bandits, believed to be herders, attacked the realm, killing over 62 IDPs and farmers. Whole households have been worn out in ways in which defy creativeness.”

Gbongbon, who was on floor on the scene, continued, “About 85 p.c of the victims are IDPs who had earlier fled from Antsa, Dooka, Kadarko, and Giza. They sought refuge in Yelewata, however terror adopted them right here. Even in displacement, they discovered no peace.”

Makes an attempt to succeed in the Chairman of Guma LGA, Maurice Orwough, have been unsuccessful as of press time.

Nonetheless, the Particular Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Safety and Inside Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi.

“I can’t give a precise account of it as a result of I’m not there bodily however I’m conscious that this ugly factor occurred yesterday (Friday) in Yelewata and in the back of Daudu. They’re two completely different assaults. I can’t say the precise quantity as a result of I don’t have the main points.”

In Daudu, witnesses reported that the army was responding to an tried invasion when troopers have been ambushed with 5 of them shot whereas two have been confirmed useless.

Spokesperson for Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Lt. Zubair Ahmad mentioned he was nonetheless verifying the incident and promised to revert.

Police Public Relations Officer for the Benue Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the assault on Yelewata however didn’t present casualty figures.

“In line with our info, it occurred within the early hours of immediately (Saturday) the place suspected bandits invaded Yelewata. The police and tactical groups responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a fierce change. A few of the attackers have been killed within the course of,” he mentioned.

“Nevertheless it’s with nice disappointment that we report that some people misplaced their lives and others sustained accidents. The police haven’t relented and are nonetheless pursuing the attackers. We’ll proceed to maintain everybody secure.”