- Safiu Kehinde
Suspected Fulani herdsmen have again attacked a Benue community with many feared killed by the assailants.
The armed herdsmen launched an attack on Yelewata town in Guma Local Government Area of the state in the early hours of Saturday.
According to a post shared on X, the assailants attacked the community around 4:00am.
They also laid ambush for a team of Nigerian Army and Civil Defence operatives responding to the attack, killing two soldiers and one Civil Defence officer.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Edet Udeme, the Benue State Police Command stated that tactical teams deployed to the area responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
While the total number of casualties could not be ascertained, the Police spokesperson disclosed that some of the assailants were neutralized.
“Some of the attackers were neutralized in the process,
“But it is with great sadness that we report that some individuals also lost their lives and others sustained injuries during the incident.
“While the exact number of civilian casualties has yet to be officially confirmed, security personnel and medical workers are on ground attending to the injured.” Edet said
She assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing assailants.
“Our men are still in pursuit of the attackers. We will continue to do all it takes to keep everyone safe,” the statement added.