In one of the deadliest attacks in recent memory, suspected terrorist herdsmen unleashed coordinated assaults on Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing over 200 persons, including women, children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and security personnel.
The brutal attack, which occurred late on Thursday, reportedly followed intelligence reports of an impending assault. Witnesses say the invaders stormed Yelewata from two flanks, overwhelming local youths and police personnel before launching a massacre of IDPs sheltering in market stalls and residential areas.
Victims were said to have been shot, hacked, and in many cases burned alive in their homes. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of entire families—some with up to 15 members—being slaughtered and set ablaze.
Mr. Matthew Mnyan, a Yelewata community leader and former acting Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), described the onslaught as a “dark day” for Benue. Fighting back tears, he confirmed that the attackers came in large numbers from both the western and eastern parts of the community.
“They killed our people, poured petrol on the stalls in the market, and set them ablaze. Most victims were IDPs who had fled previous attacks and were seeking refuge in the market due to the presence of police and soldiers nearby. Sadly, no soldier came out to defend the people,” he said.
The simultaneous attack on Daudu was reportedly met with fierce resistance from youths and security forces. Despite the defense, five security operatives, including a military officer of the rank of Captain, were reportedly killed.
Chief Dennis Gbongbon, President of the Association of United Farmers Benue Valley (AUFBV), also confirmed the incident, blaming “Lakurawa bandits and herders” for the carnage. He said over 62 IDPs and farmers were confirmed dead in Yelewata alone, adding that many more were hospitalized or still trapped in burning structures.
“This is a genocide. The IDPs ran to safety only to meet death. The death toll will rise as the search and rescue operations continue,” Gbongbon stated.
A military source, speaking anonymously, confirmed the loss of two military personnel, while the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, acknowledged the attacks but said full details were still being compiled.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet. He noted that tactical teams responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, killing some of the assailants. However, he did not disclose the number of casualties among civilians.
“It is with great sadness that we report some individuals lost their lives and others sustained injuries,” the statement read. “Police are still in pursuit of the attackers.”
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