Over 100 Feared Dead As Armed Invaders Attack Benue Community

No fewer than 100 people are feared dead following a brutal attack by armed assailants on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State in the early hours of Saturday.

The deadly assault marks the third attack on Yelewata within a week. The rural community, situated along the Benue–Nasarawa border, was thrown into chaos as heavily armed invaders stormed the area just before midnight, reportedly operating for over two hours with little resistance from security personnel.

In a separate but related incident, two soldiers were killed in Daudu, another community within Guma LGA, as they reportedly responded to an attempted invasion on Friday night. Eyewitnesses claim the soldiers were ambushed and fatally shot.

Speaking to journalists, witnesses from Yelewata recounted horrifying scenes of destruction and death. A Guma LGA staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the killings as “an attempt to wipe out an entire ethnic group,” adding that more than 100 corpses had been recovered and many victims were burned beyond recognition.

“Most of the victims were internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had taken shelter in market stalls and roadside shops. The attackers poured petrol and set the shelters ablaze while the people were asleep. Others were hacked to death in their homes. Some families lost 10 to 15 members at once,” the official said.

He also revealed that over 40 people were rushed to hospitals, with at least 20 dying before they could receive treatment. “The death toll could rise to 200,” he warned.

Chief Dennis Denen Gbongbon, President of the Association of United Farmers Benue Valley (AUFBV), confirmed the massacre, blaming the attack on suspected Lakurawa herders. He noted that at least 62 IDPs and farmers were confirmed dead, with homes burned and entire families wiped out.

“I’m on the ground here in Yelewata,” Gbongbon said. “About 85 percent of the victims are IDPs who had fled earlier attacks in Antsa, Dooka, Kadarko, and Giza. They sought refuge in Yelewata, only to be attacked again. Many have also been hospitalised.”

As at press time, the Chairman of Guma LGA, Maurice Orwough, had yet to respond to calls.

The Benue State Governor’s Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, confirmed the incident but said he was yet to receive full details. “I can’t give exact figures, but yes, the incident in Yelewata and Daudu happened yesterday,” he said.

Operation Whirl Stroke’s spokesperson, Lt. Zubair Ahmad, said he was still gathering information on the Daudu ambush, where eyewitnesses said five soldiers may have been killed.

Meanwhile, Benue State Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet confirmed the Yelewata attack, stating that tactical units responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, killing some in the process.

“Unfortunately, some civilians lost their lives, and others were injured. Our officers are still on the ground and pursuing the fleeing attackers to restore safety,” Edet said.