Benue Man Loses 20 Family Members In Yelwata Attack, Says Killers Burnt His Brothers Alive

Michael Ajah, a resident of Benue State, has shared his harrowing experience after losing 20 members of his family in the recent attack on Yelwata community, allegedly carried out by armed terrorists and bandits.

The assault, which occurred over the weekend, claimed the lives of more than 200 people, leaving a trail of destruction and grief.

Speaking with News Central, a visibly shaken Ajah recounted the devastating loss:

“Eleven of my family members died in this house. Eight others died in the store. Altogether, I lost 20 members of my family that day. I’m not talking about anyone else — just my own blood.”

He revealed that both his house and his store were burned down during the attack, leaving him with absolutely nothing. “The shirt I’m wearing right now is the only thing I own,” he said.

Describing the night of the tragedy, Ajah said:

“That evening, it started raining. I was asleep when, around 10:20 pm, we started hearing gunshots. Before we knew what was happening, Fulani herdsmen had entered this area.”

When asked how he knew the attackers were Fulani herdsmen, Ajah replied firmly:

“I heard them with my own ears — nobody told me. I was inside that room when they surrounded it. I narrowly escaped, but my brothers were burnt alive inside the house.”

His account adds to the growing number of personal testimonies that have sparked national outrage, with renewed calls for the government to take decisive action to protect lives in Benue and other violence-stricken regions.