No fewer than eight persons were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen at Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Many people were reportedly injured and one person kidnapped during the attack which locals claimed happened at the community market.
A local who did not want his name in print said that the suspected herdsmen stormed the community around 6:pm on Tuesday and moved straight to the market where they shot at people.
According to the locals, the attackers came to the market around 6:00pm yesterday and shot sporadically in the market leading to death of eight people and several others were injured.
“One person was taken away and we have not heard from him since then,” the local said.
Confirming the incident, the chairman of Guma local government, 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 and injured two others.
The council chairman said that the attacked was unprovoked, saying, “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 6pm 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.”
The chairman further said that the injured people were taken to a private hospital for treatment because the government hospitals are still on strike.
The State Command spokesperson, DSP Catherine Anene confirmed the incident and said that six persons were killed
According to her, “Six persons were shot and almost dead at that point, but they were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital while two person are receiving treatment as at this morning.
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