• 21 Jun, 2025
• Faith Kegh
• No comment

Benue Community Survivors Recount Herdsmen Attack That Killed Over 200.

Residents of Yelewata, a farming community on the Benue-Nasarawa border in Guma Local Government Area, have

recounted the devastating attack by suspected herdsmen that left over 200 people dead. Survivors described the assault, which took place last Saturday night, as one of the worst in recent memory.

Yelewata, home to mostly Tiv farmers, has long provided refuge for displaced persons from other conflict-hit areas. However, it became a target itself during a late-night assault that caught many residents off guard.

  Survivor Accounts

Thomas Iorya, now displaced and living at a temporary camp in Makurdi, said the attack began shortly after 11 p.m., following heavy rainfall. Gunmen, some wearing military camouflage, stormed the town from all directions, firing weapons and setting homes ablaze. Iorya, who lost 12 family members, survived because he had taken shelter at a primary school under military protection.

He said most residents in Yelewata had already been displaced from other parts of Nasarawa State and were seeking safety. He urged the government to provide adequate security so survivors could return home and resume farming.

Stella Anshe, another survivor, said gunmen targeted a warehouse where many IDPs were sleeping, killing most people inside before burning the building. She lost 14 relatives in the attack and called for urgent government intervention, citing poor living conditions at the IDP camp.

Other witnesses, including Felix Kpum and Doko Ternenge Vitalis, said armed attackers set homes on fire using petrol and killed anyone attempting to escape. Vitalis’s pregnant wife is currently hospitalized after fleeing on foot.

Mrs. Mnenge Uge, who is sheltering at the Makurdi International Market IDP camp, said her husband and two children remain missing. She was seen feeding her malnourished baby with garri, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis. The camp now holds over 5,000 people.

  Government and Security Response

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings and pledged continued engagement with federal security forces. His deputy, Sam Ode, visited the affected community and delivered the governor’s message of support. Relief materials have been provided, and tactical police units are being deployed.

Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, confirmed that two attackers were killed and one arrested. Although local reports suggest more than 200 deaths, police confirmed 47 fatalities. Authorities said a broader massacre was prevented by the swift action of security operatives.

  National and Religious Reactions

Several dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and traditional rulers, have visited Yelewata to offer condolences. Security presence has since been heightened.

In response to the violence, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) called for a nine-day national prayer, beginning June 21. The prayers will culminate in a special Mass on June 29 to seek peace and healing for Nigeria and comfort for the victims’ families.

  Calls for Long-Term Solutions

Fulani leaders in Nasarawa State called on government authorities to revive the nomadic education program to curb violence. At a stakeholders’ forum in Lafia, they emphasized the role of education in preventing conflict and called for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

  Federal Government Intervention

Minister of Works David Umahi apologized for the collapse of a highway bridge along the Lafia-Makurdi road, which had recently been completed. He blamed the contractor for negligence and promised a long-term fix. Umahi also praised President Tinubu’s visit to Benue, calling it a source of hope for residents.

  New Violence in Plateau

Separately, gunmen attacked Juwan village in Plateau State on Thursday night, killing 13 people—mostly women and children. Local leaders confirmed the attack and criticized the late arrival of security forces. Some survivors are receiving treatment at local hospitals.

Faith Kegh

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