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 October 7, 2023.

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 October 7, 2023."

What We Know

On October 7, 2023, Amnesty International Nigeria reported that at least 100 people were killed in a gun attack on the village of Yelewata in the Guma area of Benue state, Nigeria. The attack reportedly occurred between late Friday and the early hours of Saturday, leading to numerous injuries and many people still missing (Reuters, ABC News). Amnesty International described the scene as horrific, stating that "many families were locked up and burnt inside their bedrooms," and that "so many bodies were burnt beyond recognition" (Sky News). The organization emphasized the alarming escalation of violence in the region, where such attacks have become increasingly common due to ongoing conflicts between local farmers and herders over land and resources (Al Jazeera).

Analysis

The claim that at least 100 people were killed in the attack is supported by multiple credible sources, including Amnesty International, which has a reputation for documenting human rights abuses globally. The consistency across reports from various news outlets, such as The Hindu and Taipei Times, corroborates the details provided by Amnesty International.

The police in Benue confirmed that an attack took place but did not specify the number of casualties, which is not uncommon in situations where chaos ensues following violent incidents. This lack of specificity from local authorities does not undermine the credibility of Amnesty's report, as the organization often relies on eyewitness accounts and other forms of evidence to substantiate its claims.

However, it is essential to note that the situation in Benue state is complex, with ongoing violence attributed to clashes between herders and farmers, often linked to broader socio-economic issues. This context is crucial for understanding the implications of such attacks and the urgent calls for government intervention to address the violence (Times of India).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that at least 100 people were killed in a gun attack on a village in Yelewata, Guma area of Benue state, Nigeria, as reported by Amnesty International Nigeria on October 7, 2023, is accurate. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms the occurrence of the attack and the reported death toll, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.

Sources

1. Gunmen kill at least 100 people in Nigeria's Benue state ...
2. At least 100 people killed by gunmen in north-central Nigeria ...
3. Nigeria: At least 100 killed in gun attack in Benue state ...
4. At least 100 people killed as gunmen attack Nigeria's Benue
5. At least 100 people killed by gunmen in Nigeria
6. Gunmen kill at least 100 in north-central Nigeria village ...
7. At least 100 people killed by gunmen in north-central Nigeria ...
8. Gunmen kill at least 100 people in Nigeria's Benue state ...