Fact Check: "At least 100 people have been killed in a gun attack on a village in Yelewata, 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 Benue State, Nigeria. This incident occurred between late Friday and the early hours of Saturday, with the rights group stating that dozens of individuals remain missing and hundreds were injured, lacking adequate medical care (source-1). Eyewitness accounts and reports indicated that many families were trapped and burned in their homes during the attack, leading to bodies being "burnt beyond recognition" (source-2).
The police confirmed that an attack occurred, although they did not provide specific casualty figures. The violence in the region is often attributed to ongoing conflicts between local farmers and herders over land and water resources (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that at least 100 people were killed in the attack is substantiated by multiple credible sources, including Amnesty International, which is recognized for its human rights advocacy. The reports from various news outlets, including Reuters and ABC News, corroborate the details provided by Amnesty International, indicating a high level of consistency across different reports.
While the police did confirm the occurrence of the attack, their lack of specific casualty figures does not detract from the credibility of the reports from Amnesty International and other news organizations. The context of violence in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State, is well-documented, with frequent clashes between herders and farmers leading to significant loss of life (source-4).
The reliability of the sources is high, given that they are established news organizations and a reputable human rights group. However, the situation in Nigeria is complex, and while the reports are consistent, the exact details of the incident may evolve as more information becomes available.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that at least 100 people were killed in a gun attack on a village in Yelewata, Benue State, Nigeria, as reported by Amnesty International Nigeria on October 7, 2023, is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports this claim, and the consistency of the reports lends further credence to its validity.
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
- Gunmen kill at least 100 people in Nigeria's Benue state ... Yahoo News
- Gunmen kill at least 100 in north-central Nigeria village ... Times of India
- Amnesty International reports that gunmen have killed at ... Energy News
- Latest attack reportedly kills nearly 200 people in Nigeria Crux Now
- Nigeria: At least 100 killed in gun attack in Benue state ... Sky News
- At least 100 people killed as gunmen attack Nigeria's Benue ... Yahoo News
