A devastating attack by suspected terrorist herdsmen on Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 200 people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), children, women, and security personnel.
The attackers, believed to be armed Fulani militants, launched a coordinated assault on the Yelewata community late at night from two different directions. The invaders, in large numbers, overpowered the combined resistance of local youths and police officers before opening fire on unarmed IDPs who had been taking refuge in market stalls. Eyewitnesses reported that entire families were burned alive in their homes and temporary shelters, with many victims being toddlers and young children.
Simultaneously, a separate group of attackers targeted Daudu community but met strong resistance from both security forces and the local youth. Despite the resistance, reports confirmed that at least five security personnel, including a military captain, lost their lives in the confrontation. A military source later confirmed that two military personnel were killed during the attack.
Mr. Matthew Mnyan, a community leader and former acting Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. He stated that the community had earlier received warnings from Nasarawa State about imminent attacks targeting several villages in Guma LGA, including Yelewata, Ukoho, Ortese, Yogbo, and Daudu. He lamented the failure of the security apparatus to protect the people despite prior knowledge of the threat.
“It is a planned and well-coordinated attack to take over our land,” Mnyan said. “They attacked from both the east and west to ensure maximum destruction. Entire families were wiped out — parents, children, all burned alive. It is a horrific sight.”
Chief Dennis Gbongbon, President of the Association of United Farmers Benue Valley (AUFBV), who visited the area, confirmed that at least 62 IDPs and farmers were killed in the Yelewata area alone. He described the attackers as “Lakurawa bandits” and expressed fears that the death toll could rise as search and rescue efforts continue.
“The victims are mostly IDPs from Antsa, Dooka, Kadarko, and Giza who fled earlier attacks only to be hunted down again. Over 85% of those killed were already displaced and had taken shelter in makeshift stalls,” he said.
Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Internal Security, confirmed the attacks but could not provide an exact casualty figure, noting that information was still being gathered.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the attack through a statement by its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet. He said tactical police units responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, killing some of them. However, he also acknowledged that some civilians were killed and others wounded in the attack.
Efforts are ongoing to compile a full list of victims and provide support to the injured and surviving residents. Community leaders continue to express outrage and fear over what they describe as a systematic attempt to displace indigenous populations and seize their land.
