Approximately 200 individuals, including five security personnel, internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, and children, have reportedly been killed in a brutal assault by suspected terrorist herdsmen on the Yelewata and Daudu communities in the Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
The attack, which occurred shortly after the locals had received warnings about impending coordinated assaults from marauders, left many others with varying degrees of injury.
The assailants reportedly descended on Yelewata in large numbers from two directions and, after overpowering the youths and police officers who attempted to resist them, opened fire on defenceless IDPs seeking refuge in market stalls and among community members.
It has been reported that numerous families were killed and burned in their homes and in the Yelewata market stalls, with many of the victims being children and toddlers who were slaughtered like animals.
While the assault on Yelewata was taking place, another group of marauders besieged Daudu, also within the same Guma LGA. However, they allegedly faced fierce resistance from the youths and security personnel, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of some of the security forces.
A community leader in Yelewata and former acting Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Matthew Mnyan, struggled to contain his emotions as he spoke, stating that it was another dark day for the people of Yelewata, Daudu, Guma LGA, and the entire state.
He remarked: “It began last night around 11 pm when Fulani terrorists emerged from the western part of Yelewata and began shooting. The police and local youths tried to engage them. Suddenly, another group attacked from the eastern side, overwhelming those who were resisting.
“They killed our people, doused the market stalls in petrol, and set them ablaze. Among those in those stalls were individuals who had fled from places like Branch Udei and other nearby villages, seeking refuge due to the presence 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 is over 200. They slaughtered and incinerated people in their homes. They would pour petrol and set entire places ablaze 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 horrific scene.
“I have instructed them to search for the families and compile the names, for some have been reduced to ashes. Up to 46 were rushed to hospital, and so far, I have learned that about 20 have died, with reports still being compiled.”
He lamented that it was a premeditated, unprovoked assault, adding, “For over a week, we received reports from Nasarawa State that the terrorists planned to attack Yelewata, Ukoho, Ortese, Yogbo, and Daudu. They are executing a simultaneous assault 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 camped near Daudu.
“It is heartbreaking; everyone knows the intent is to seize control of Benue State. There is no denying it; they only wish to claim the land.
“If you visit the eastern side of Yelewata, the Fulani have taken over the land and allocated it to their own for farming. They do not want anyone to enter there. This is a premeditated operation being executed. 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 slaughtered in cold blood. Children had their throats slit and were killed like animals. It is beyond my understanding.
We had intended to move all the corpses to the road, but I remembered a previous occasion when we did that and three individuals were killed by security personnel.”
Additionally, 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 termed “Lakurawa bandits.”
Gbongbon stated that the association had received reports of “a deeply troubling 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 will likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. Many were incinerated in the stalls. I am currently 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 with local residents. Many have been hospitalised.”
According to him, “the IDPs in Yelewata are still farmers. They merely sought refuge there. While it is significant to distinguish them, it would help us understand the deteriorating situation that farmers are facing. Even having fled from ravaged homes to IDP camps, terror continues to pursue them relentlessly.”
In response, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, who confirmed the situation, said, “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 provide specific numbers as I do not have the details.”
Meanwhile, a military source, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that two military personnel lost their lives in the attack.
He stated, “We lost two military personnel in that attack, but I cannot disclose 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.”