The Benue State Police Command has addressed growing speculation over a deadly shooting in Wannune, clarifying that the violence was not the result of a herdsmen attack as widely claimed online.
Authorities say the fatal incident, which occurred on Saturday evening in the Tarka Local Government Area, involved a known ex-convict and had no ties to herdsmen activities.
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet issued a statement confirming that 33-year-old Aondoakaa Yayough was shot and killed near Akume Road around 8 p.m. Following a swift response, detectives identified the suspected gunman as Saater Aii, who had previously served time in prison. Though initially caught by local security forces, Aii managed to flee.
Two other victims who were wounded during the shooting are currently receiving medical care. Officers recovered an AK-47 rifle at the scene and are actively pursuing the fugitive.
DSP Edet dismissed the viral online claims as false and misleading, calling on residents and media outlets to avoid spreading unverified information. He stressed that no herdsmen were involved in the case and urged the public to depend on official sources for accurate updates.
