A devastating attack by suspected bandits on Yelwata town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State has left over 70 people dead and several others injured.
It was learnt that the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, despite the presence of a police station and military checkpoint in the town.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack, with the Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, stating that security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel.
However, she declined to provide the exact number of casualties.
*Eyewitness account*
A resident of Yelwata town painted a grim picture of the attack, saying that over 70 corpses had been recovered, with many more feared dead as the search and rescue mission continues.
The resident revealed that the majority of the victims were internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had fled from nearby areas to seek refuge in Yelwata town.
The police and military personnel responded swiftly to the attack, but were reportedly outnumbered by the attackers.
The police have assured the public that they will continue to pursue the attackers and keep everyone safe.