Fact Check: "At least 100 people have been killed in a gun attack on a village in Yelewata, Guma area of Benue state, Nigeria, according to Amnesty International Nigeria on Saturday."
What We Know
Recent reports confirm that at least 100 people were killed in a gun attack on a village in the Guma area of Benue state, Nigeria. This information was initially reported by Amnesty International Nigeria on June 14, 2025. The attack occurred between late Friday and early Saturday, specifically in the village of Yelewata. Amnesty International reported that many victims were trapped in their homes, which were subsequently set on fire, leading to numerous fatalities, with many bodies burned beyond recognition. Additionally, the organization noted that hundreds were injured and lacked adequate medical care, with dozens still missing (ABC News, Sky News).
The attack's context is critical, as it reflects ongoing violence in Nigeria's north-central region, where conflicts between local farmers and herders are common. This violence has escalated recently, with Amnesty International highlighting a pattern of impunity for such attacks (Al Jazeera).
Analysis
The claim that at least 100 people were killed in the attack is substantiated by multiple reputable sources, including major news outlets and human rights organizations. Amnesty International, a well-respected entity in human rights advocacy, provided the initial report, which was corroborated by other media such as Reuters, ABC News, and Al Jazeera. These sources have consistently reported similar details about the attack, including the number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the event.
While the police confirmed that an attack occurred, they did not provide specific casualty figures, which is common in chaotic situations where immediate assessments are challenging. However, the consistency across various reports lends credibility to Amnesty International's figures. The sources used are generally reliable, with established track records in reporting on human rights issues and conflicts in Nigeria.
It is also important to note the potential biases in reporting, especially in conflict zones where narratives can be influenced by political or social agendas. However, the corroboration from multiple independent sources minimizes the risk of misinformation in this case.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that at least 100 people have been killed in a gun attack on a village in Yelewata, Guma area of Benue state, Nigeria, is supported by credible reports from Amnesty International and other reputable news organizations. The consistency in the reporting and the involvement of a recognized human rights organization affirm the accuracy of this claim.
Sources
- Gunmen kill at least 100 people in Nigeria's Benue state, ... Reuters
- At least 100 people killed by gunmen in north-central Nigeria ... ABC News
- Nigeria: At least 100 killed in gun attack in Benue state ... Sky News
- At least 100 people killed as gunmen attack Nigeria's Benue Al Jazeera
- At least 100 people killed by gunmen in Nigeria Taipei Times
- Nigeria: Gunmen kill at least 100 in Benue state DW
- Gunmen kill at least 100 in north-central Nigeria village ... Times of India
- At least 100 people killed by gunmen in north-central Nigeria ... Daily Sun
