We’ve not relented, still in pursuit of attackers -Police
BY ORIAKU IJELE
It was indeed a dark Saturday morning in Yelwata town, Guma LGA of Benue State, following a deadly attack that left nearly 200 persons, mostly IDPs, children and security agents dead by gunmen believed to be armed herders.
Benue has come under repeated attacks in the past weeks, a situation that has enraged many Nigerians.
Reports obtained by The Daily Monitor from News Agency of Nigeria, indicate that the police in Benue State confirmed the deadly attack, although the real number of casualties is still being hoarded, sparking speculations that eye-witnesses, may be right by putting casualty figures at nearly 200.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, told newsmen in Makurdi that the incident took place in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Edet said that during the invasion, security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
She also said that the attackers killed people but declined to mention the figure.
“According to our information, it happened in the early hours of Saturday, when suspected bandits invaded Yelwata town.
“The police and tactical teams posted to the town and reinforcements responded swiftly to the attack and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange, and some of the attackers were killed in the process.
“But it’s with great sadness that we report that some individuals lost their lives and others sustained injuries.
“The police, however, have not relented and are still in pursuit of the attackers and will continue to keep everyone safe,” she said.
A resident of the town told the media that more than 70 corpses were already recovered, adding that the search for people missing was still on.
“The death toll will rise as the search and rescue mission is on. Many were burnt already in stores.
“I am right here on the ground. More than 85 per cent of the victims are IDPs that ran from Antsa, Dooka, Kadarko, and Giza areas and are taking refuge at various stores in Yelwata Market and residences.
“There is a police station and military checkpoint here in Yelwata town, but they were outnumbered by attackers,” the source said.
Already reactions are trailing the ugly incident. Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, reclining from celebrating his wife’s 75th birthday called the attack shocking. Posting via his verified social media handle, he wrote: “I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of the fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost.
“These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscores the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt by those left widowed, orphaned, or displaced.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities who have suffered unimaginable loss. As a nation, we must pause and reflect on the mounting human toll of this senseless violence.
“I urge the Federal Government and Benue State authorities to: Launch a prompt, transparent investigation into the attack. The identities of the perpetrators must be swiftly uncovered and justice served. Enhance security presence in the region, deploying necessary resources, personnel, equipment, and intelligence to guarantee the protection of vulnerable rural areas.
“Engage affected communities through dialogue, traditional leadership, and civil society to restore confidence and foster resilience.
“Accelerate compensation and support effort, including medical aid, trauma counselling, and livelihood restoration for survivors and bereaved families.
“This assault on innocent Nigerians is not just a local tragedy, it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention and decisive action.
“I call on all Nigerians regardless of tribe or religion to unite in condemning this atrocity. We must hold our leaders accountable and insist on sustainable solutions to the violent tragedies claiming lives across the country.
“May God comfort the grieving families, heal our nation, and help us reclaim peace and security for all.”
