Reports indicate that around 200 individuals, including five members of the security forces, internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, and children, have been killed in a horrific assault by suspected terrorist herdsmen on the Yelewata and Daudu communities in the Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
The attack occurred just days after residents of the area had received warnings about impending coordinated assaults from marauders, resulting in many others sustaining various injuries.
The attackers are said to have invaded Yelewata in large numbers from two directions and, after overpowering the local youths and police officers who attempted to resist them, opened fire on defenceless IDPs seeking shelter in market stalls and among community members.
Reports suggest that several families were killed and incinerated in their homes and in the Yelewata market stalls, with many of the victims being children and toddlers who were slaughtered in a manner akin to that of animals.
While the onslaught in Yelewata was ongoing, another group of marauders besieged Daudu, also within the same Guma LGA. However, they reportedly encountered staunch resistance from the local youths and security forces, leading to the unfortunate deaths of several of the security personnel.
A community leader in Yelewata and former acting Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Matthew Mnyan, fought back tears as he spoke, describing it as another dark day for the people of Yelewata, Daudu, Guma LGA, and the entire state.
He stated: “It began last night at around 11 pm when Fulani terrorists emerged from the western side of Yelewata and commenced firing. The police and local youths attempted to engage them. Suddenly, another group attacked from the east, overwhelming those attempting to resist.
“They slaughtered our people, doused the market stalls in petrol, and set them alight. Among those in those stalls were individuals who had fled from areas like Branch Udei and other nearby villages, seeking refuge due to the proximity of police and soldiers. Yet, we were informed that no soldier came to defend the people.
“Currently, from the names being compiled and the number of families killed and burned, the toll has surpassed 200. They slaughtered and incinerated people in their homes. They would pour petrol and ignite entire places where people were sleeping. We had a family of 15, other families of 12, men with their two wives, children – all of them burned. It is a dreadful sight.
“I have instructed them to search for the families and compile the names, as some have been reduced to ashes. Up to 46 were taken to hospital, and so far, I have learned that about 20 have died, with reports still being compiled.”
He expressed his belief that it was a calculated, unprovoked attack, adding that “for over a week, we received reports from Nasarawa State that the terrorists were planning to assault Yelewata, Ukoho, Ortese, Yogbo, and Daudu. They are executing simultaneous attacks on these locations.
“Fortunately, on that same day, the attackers in Daudu were repelled, although we sadly learned that five soldiers and police personnel lost their lives, including one of the rank of Captain.
“We have learned that over 300 terrorists were encamped near Daudu.
“It is heart-wrenching; everyone is aware that the intent is to take over Benue State. There is no two ways about it; they merely wish to seize the land.
“If you visit the eastern side of Yelewata, the Fulani have appropriated the land and allocated it to some of their own for farming. They do not want anyone to set foot there. This is a premeditated operation being carried out. It was a coordinated and well-organised attack, which is why some came from the east and others from the west to ensure the area was devastated.
“I cannot comprehend why innocent women, children, and toddlers were murdered in cold blood. Children had their throats cut and were killed like animals. It is beyond my understanding.
“We had intended to move all the corpses to the road, but I recalled a previous instance when we did that, and three individuals were killed by security personnel.”
In addition, the President of the Association of United Farmers Benue Valley (AUFBV), Chief Dennis Gbongbon, who also expressed his sorrow over the carnage, attributed it to what he referred to as “Lakurawa bandits.”
Gbongbon stated that the association had received reports of “a deeply concerning security threat to Tiv farmers in the Yelewata community of Guma LGA, as suspected Lakurawa bandits and herders killed over 62 IDPs and farmers, with homes burned and families lost beyond imagination.
“The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations are ongoing. Many were incinerated in the stalls. I am presently on the ground. Eighty-five per cent of the victims are IDPs who fled from Antsa, Dooka, Kadarko, and Giza areas, seeking refuge in various stalls in Yelewata market and among local residents. Many have been hospitalised.”
According to him, “the IDPs in Yelewata are still farmers. They simply sought refuge there. While it is important to distinguish them, it would assist us in understanding the deteriorating situation that farmers are facing. Even having fled from ravaged homes to IDP camps, terror still follows them relentlessly.”
In response, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, who confirmed the situation, stated, “I cannot provide an exact account as I am not there physically, but I am aware that this tragic incident occurred yesterday in Yelewata and at the back of Daudu. These were two separate attacks. I cannot offer specific numbers as I do not have the details.”
Meanwhile, a military source, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that two military personnel lost their lives in the attack.
He mentioned, “We lost two military personnel in that attack, but I cannot provide further details.”
In a statement, the Benue State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident but did not specify the casualty figures.
Part of the statement read, “According to our information, it occurred in the early hours today when suspected bandits invaded Yelewata town.
“The police and tactical teams deployed to the town responded swiftly to the attack, engaging the assailants in a fierce exchange, resulting in some of the attackers being killed.
“However, it is with great sadness that we report that some individuals lost their lives and others sustained injuries.
“The police, nevertheless, have not relented and continue to pursue the attackers, ensuring the safety of all.”
