By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Suspected armed herders on Monday attacked Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing three people and injuring three others.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants invaded the community around 7:00am shooting sporadically and killing the three people while being chased by security forces.
The incident sparked protests as residents stormed the Makurdi–Lafia–Abuja federal highway, displaying the bodies of the victims.
A youth leader, Achii Matthias, told journalists that the attackers, suspected to be Fulani herders, struck despite the presence of about 200 security personnel in Yelwata and surrounding areas.
“Three people were killed and three others injured. Our people are protesting because, despite heavy security deployment, they still attacked in broad daylight,” Matthias said.
He added that the Security Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Chairman of Guma LGA were at the scene to assess the situation.
Confirming the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, said the attack occurred in a community close to Yelwata.
“Three people were killed and three others injured. The road that was blocked has been reopened,” Har stated.
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said the violence began earlier in the day when suspected bandit herdsmen attempted to invade Udei town in Guma LGA but were repelled by police tactical units.
“At about 7:00am, armed men were sighted heading towards Yelwata. Security forces engaged them in a shootout, forcing them to retreat with gunshot injuries.
“However, during the pursuit, it was discovered that the attackers had assaulted farmers on the outskirts of the village, killing three and injuring three others. The injured victims were taken to Benue State University Teaching Hospital for treatment,” she said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, commiserated with the families of the deceased and pledged to intensify operations against criminality in the state.
He commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for supporting security efforts in Benue, and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies.
He also praised Yelwata women for suspending their protest after being addressed by state government officials and security commanders.
“We encourage the people to remain law-abiding and continue to provide relevant information to security agencies. This phase too shall soon pass,” the CP said.
