Fact Check: The gun attack occurred in Yelewata, a community in the Guma area of Benue state, between late Friday and the early hours of Saturday, October 7, 2023.

Published June 15, 2025

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# Fact Check: "The gun attack occurred in Yelewata, a community in the Guma area of Benue state, between late Friday and the early hours of Saturday, ...

Fact Check: "The gun attack occurred in Yelewata, a community in the Guma area of Benue state, between late Friday and the early hours of Saturday, October 7, 2023."

What We Know

On October 7, 2023, a tragic gun attack took place in Yelewata, a community located in the Guma area of Benue State, Nigeria. According to Amnesty International Nigeria, at least 100 individuals were killed during this attack, which occurred between late Friday and the early hours of Saturday. Eyewitness accounts and reports from local authorities confirm that many houses were burned, and dozens of people were reported missing. The police spokesperson, Udeme Edet, corroborated that an attack occurred in Yelewata, although he did not specify the number of casualties at that time (AP News, ABC News).

Analysis

The claim that the gun attack occurred in Yelewata during the specified timeframe is supported by multiple credible sources. Amnesty International, a well-respected human rights organization, provided detailed accounts of the incident, including the timing and location of the attack. Their reports highlight the severe impact on the community, with many families reportedly locked inside their homes and burned (Amnesty International, Sky News).

Additionally, local news outlets and eyewitnesses have also reported on the attack, confirming the involvement of armed herders and the subsequent chaos that ensued (BBC, Legit.ng). The consistency of these reports across various platforms enhances their reliability. However, it is important to note that while Amnesty International's figures suggest over 100 fatalities, other reports mention at least 45 confirmed deaths, indicating a potential discrepancy in casualty counts that may arise from ongoing recovery efforts (BBC, Idoma Voice).

The context of violence in Benue State, often attributed to conflicts between nomadic herders and settled farmers, adds further credibility to the reports of such attacks being common in the region. This historical backdrop of conflict is well-documented and recognized by various news organizations (ABC News, Sky News).

Conclusion

The claim that the gun attack occurred in Yelewata, a community in the Guma area of Benue State, between late Friday and the early hours of Saturday, October 7, 2023, is True. This conclusion is based on corroborating reports from multiple credible sources, including human rights organizations and local news outlets, which provide consistent details about the timing, location, and impact of the attack.

Sources

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