The Chairman of Guma Local Government Area in Benue State, Mr. Maurice Orwough, has confirmed a deadly attack by suspected herdsmen on Yelwatda, a border community between Benue and Nasarawa states.
Speaking to Channels Television during a visit to the affected area on Saturday, Mr. Orwough said the attack occurred late Friday night around 11:30 pm. He revealed that the assailants—numbering over 100—stormed Yelwatda and opened fire on residents, leaving many feared dead and several others injured.
According to him, the attackers had earlier attempted to raid Daudu town but were stopped by military forces. However, they later shifted focus to Yelwatda, where only four soldiers were reportedly on ground at the time of the incident.
While the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed by police authorities, local sources claim that more than 50 people may have been killed, and over 26 others have been hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the assault.
Mr. Orwough called for urgent government intervention and enhanced security presence in the area to prevent further attacks and protect lives.
The police are expected to release an official statement with confirmed casualty figures in the coming days.
