Tension and grief have gripped Benue State following the horrific massacre of over 200 persons, including children, women, security personnel, and displaced persons, in coordinated attacks on Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area.
The brutal assault, carried out by suspected terrorist herdsmen, took place in the late hours of Friday night and has been described as one of the worst mass killings in the state’s recent history.
Over 200 Dead, Mostly IDPs and Families Burnt Alive
Eyewitness reports say the attackers, numbering in hundreds, stormed Yelewata from two directions around 11 p.m., catching residents off guard. The community, which hosts Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) sheltering in market stalls, became a killing field as terrorists opened fire and torched entire families.
“They came from the west first. Our young men and the police tried to resist them, but another group came from the east. It was a coordinated attack,” said Mr. Matthew Mnyan, a community leader.
The invaders reportedly poured petrol on stalls where displaced persons were sleeping and set them ablaze. Some families of up to 15 members, including men, wives, toddlers, and infants, were burnt alive in their sleep. Many others were found slaughtered with their throats slit.
Mnyan confirmed that over 200 corpses had been counted so far, with many burnt beyond recognition. At least 46 people were rushed to nearby hospitals with life-threatening injuries, and about 20 of them have reportedly died.
Daudu Also Hit, Security Personnel Among Dead
While Yelewata was under siege, another group of attackers stormed Daudu — also in Guma LGA. This time, a combined force of youths and security personnel put up stiff resistance, resulting in the deaths of at least five soldiers and police officers. One of the slain officers was reportedly of the rank of Captain.
A community source disclosed that over 300 terrorists had been sighted camping near Daudu ahead of the assault.
“They Want To Grab Benue Land” — Locals Cry Out
Mnyan and other local leaders say the attacks were not random. Intelligence reports received a week earlier had warned that Fulani terrorists were plotting to attack Yelewata, Ortese, Ukoho, Yogbo, and Daudu. According to him, the attacks are part of a long-standing effort to grab ancestral Tiv lands and hand them over to Fulani settlers.
“It’s planned. It’s an invasion. They’ve taken over parts of Yelewata and told people not to return,” Mnyan added.
Farmers Association Confirms Massacre, Warns of Rising Death Toll
Chief Dennis Gbongbon, President of the Association of United Farmers Benue Valley, AUFBV, confirmed the scale of the bloodshed, noting that 85% of the victims were IDPs who had already fled earlier attacks.
“Many were burnt inside market stalls. Others were slaughtered. The death toll will rise,” he said.
Police and Military React
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attacks in a statement but did not disclose full casualty figures. DSP Udeme Edet said:
“The Police and Tactical Teams engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange. Sadly, some lives were lost, and some sustained injuries. Pursuit of the attackers is ongoing.”
A military source who spoke anonymously confirmed the death of two soldiers, adding that details were still being compiled.
A Nation In Shock
This gruesome killing spree has once again raised serious concerns over the security of lives in Benue State and across Nigeria’s Middle Belt. With warnings ignored and IDPs murdered where they sought safety, many now question how long communities will continue to suffer these unprovoked attacks.
