Armed men suspected to be herdsmen on Monday attacked Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing three farmers and injuring three others.
A local resident, who requested anonymity, said the assailants struck in broad daylight, shooting sporadically at anyone in sight.
Youth leader Achii Matthias told reporters that the victims were among those who had refused to relocate to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp. The killings sparked protests, with residents blocking the Makurdi–Lafia–Abuja federal highway and displaying the bodies of the dead.
“Despite the presence of about 200 security personnel in Yelwata and its environs, the Fulani still attacked in broad daylight,” Matthias said, adding that the governor’s Security Adviser and the Guma LGA chairman had visited the scene.
Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, confirmed the incident, saying the attack occurred in a village near Yelwata. “Three people were killed and three others injured. The road that was blocked has now been reopened,” he said.
Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet, said she would provide details later.
Monday’s assault comes less than two months after a June 13 midnight attack on Yelwata, in which over 200 farmers, including women and children, were killed.
