Over 100 Dead in Ruthless Nighttime Assault in Benue Village
In a harrowing overnight incident, gunmen slaughtered at least 100 people in the north-central Nigerian village of Yelewata, situated in the Guma region of Benue state. The attack, which unfolded between late Friday and the early hours of Saturday, has left the community in shock and mourning.
Tragedy Unfolds Amid Burning Homes and Missing Residents
Reports reveal that entire families were locked inside their homes, many of which were set ablaze. Human rights observers described the scene as one of the deadliest attacks in recent months, noting that many victims were burnt beyond recognition. Disturbingly, dozens remain missing while hundreds more have been injured, many lacking immediate medical care following the chaos.
Grim images circulating on social media depict scorched buildings and charred remains, underscoring the scale of destruction that descended on Yelewata.
Authorities Confirm Attack but Details Remain Sparse
Benue State police spokesperson Udeme Edet acknowledged the attack but refrained from releasing specific casualty figures, stating, “We are still assessing the situation on ground.” Meanwhile, no group has claimed responsibility, keeping the already-tense atmosphere fraught with uncertainty.
Underlying Conflict: Herders vs. Farmers in Nigeria’s Middle Belt
This massacre echoes the ongoing strife between herders and farmers in Nigeria’s volatile Middle Belt region. Conflicts often arise over land use and water access, with many accusing Fulani herders of encroaching on farmland and destroying crops. Meanwhile, herders cite their rights to graze cattle along routes established under a 1965 law, intensifying competition and hostility.
Recent months have seen similar violent episodes, including a May attack in Benue’s Gwer West area that claimed at least 20 lives, and April clashes in neighboring Plateau state causing at least 40 deaths.
Government Response and Commitment to Justice
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has sent a delegation to support the afflicted families in Yelewata. A spokesperson from the governor’s office condemned the violence, describing it as “deeply heartbreaking” and affirmed their determination to ensure the perpetrators face justice.
As Nigeria’s “food basket,” Benue’s stability is critical. Yet these recurring conflicts severely undermine its role, contributing to an escalating security crisis across northern and central Nigeria.
