The Benue Police Command on Saturday confirmed a deadly attack on Yelwata town in the Guma Local Government Area of the state.

The state police public relations officer, DSP Udeme Edet, told journalists in Makurdi that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Ms Edet said that during the invasion, security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

She also said the attackers killed people but declined to mention the figure.

“The police and tactical teams posted to the town and reinforcements responded swiftly to the attack and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange, and some of the attackers were killed in the process.

“But it’s with great sadness that we report that some individuals lost their lives and others sustained injuries.

“The police, however, have not relented and are still in pursuit of the attackers and will continue to keep everyone safe,” she said.

However, a resident of Yelewata town told journalists that more than 70 corpses had already been recovered, adding that the search for missing people was still on.

“The death toll will rise as the search and rescue mission is on. Many were burnt already in stores.

“I am right here on the ground. More than 85 per cent of the victims were IDPs who ran from Antsa, Dooka, Kadarko, and Giza areas and are taking refuge at various stores in Yelwata Market and residences.

“There is a police station and military checkpoint here in Yelwata town, but they were outnumbered by attackers,” the source said.

(NAN)