Alleged Shepherd Killing ‘About 70’ in Benue

The armed people suspected of being a shepherd on Saturday killed several people in the morning attack in Yelwata City, the Guma Regional Government in the state of Benue.

A resident of Yelewata City told reporters that around 70 bodies had been found, saying the search for missing people was still there.

He said: “The death toll will rise when the search and rescue mission has taken place. Many have been burned in shops.

“I am here on the ground. More than 85 percent of victims are refugees who run from the ants, Dooka, Kadangko, and Giza areas and take refuge in various shops in the market and residence of Yelwata.

“There is a police station and a military inspection post here in Yelwata City, but they are outnumbered by the attacker.”

Spokesman for the State Police Command, Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi.

Also read: Police Allegations of 11 Shepherds for Alleged Terrorism in Benue

He said the security operator involved the attackers in the fierce exchange of shots during the invasion.

He added that the attackers killed people, but were silent about the number of victims.

“According to our information, it happened in the early days of Saturday, when the alleged bandit attacked the city of Yelwata.

“The police and the tactical team posted to the city and reinforcements respond quickly to the attack and involved the attackers in fierce exchanges, and several attackers were killed in the process.

“But very sadly we reported that some people lost their lives and others suffered injuries.

“However, the police operations do not give in and are still chasing the attackers and will continue to keep everyone safe,” said the spokesman.