Benue police deny herdsmen attack in Wannune, say ex-convict behind fatal shooting.
One killed, two injured as suspect escapes; police recover rifle, urge calm over false claims.
The Benue State Police Command has denied reports of a herdsmen attack in Wannune, a town in Tarka Local Government Area, dismissing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement released on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, clarified that there was no invasion by herdsmen on Friday night as circulated on social media platforms. She urged residents and the general public to disregard the unverified reports, stressing that such misinformation could create unnecessary panic.
According to Edet, the police did respond to an incident in the area on the evening of June 21. At about 8 p.m., officers received a report of a shooting along Akume Road, which led to the death of one Aondohemba Yayough. Police investigations revealed that the attack was carried out by Saater Aii, a known ex-convict.
Eyewitnesses at the scene confirmed the suspect’s identity. Although local security personnel managed to recover an AK-47 rifle from the attacker, he escaped and has not yet been arrested. Two other people were injured during the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
The police say they are actively working to capture the suspect and have assured the public that no herdsmen were involved in the incident.
