Fact Check: "At least 100 people were 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, located in the Guma area of Benue state, Nigeria. The attack occurred between late Friday and the early hours of Saturday, resulting in many families being trapped and burned in their homes, with numerous bodies reportedly burned beyond recognition. Additionally, the organization noted that dozens of people were missing and hundreds were injured without adequate medical care (AP News, Sky News).
Udeme Edet, a police spokesperson in Benue, confirmed that an attack took place but did not specify the number of casualties. The violence in this region is often attributed to ongoing conflicts between local farmers and herders, particularly those of Fulani origin, over land and water resources (Reuters, ABC News).
Analysis
The claim that "at least 100 people were killed" is substantiated by multiple reputable sources, including Amnesty International itself, which is a well-known human rights organization. The consistency of reports from various news outlets, such as AP News, Reuters, and Sky News, reinforces the credibility of the information.
While the police confirmed that an attack occurred, they did not provide specific casualty figures, which is common in chaotic situations following violent events. The reports from Amnesty International and other news agencies highlight the severity of the attack and the ongoing violence in the region, emphasizing the need for governmental action to address the escalating conflict (Firstpost, Al Jazeera).
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, according to Amnesty International Nigeria on October 7, 2023," is accurate. This conclusion is based on corroborated reports from multiple reliable sources, including Amnesty International, which provided detailed accounts of the attack and its aftermath.
Sources
- At least 100 people killed by gunmen in north-central Nigeria, rights ...
- Gunmen kill at least 100 people in Nigeria's Benue state ...
- Nigeria: At least 100 killed in gun attack in Benue state village ...
- At least 100 people killed by gunmen in north-central Nigeria ...
- Gunmen kill at least 100 people in Nigeria's Benue state, Amnesty ...
- At least 100 killed by gunmen in Nigeria's Benue state, says Amnesty
- At least 100 people killed in gunmen attack in Nigeria
- Breaking: Fresh tension in Benue as over 100 die in major attack - MSN
