Mohamed Garba
An unspecified but reportedly high number of people are feared dead following a brutal attack by suspected armed herders on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The late-night assault, which began around 10:00 PM on Friday and continued into the early hours of Saturday, has once again plunged the state into mourning, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of ongoing security measures.
Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the attack. A resident, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, described a horrifying ordeal where the gunmen “stormed the town and unleashed terror on innocent residents, killing over 100 people and setting several families ablaze.” The local lamented that the “attack lasted until just before 1:00 a.m, nearly two hours of horror.”
While the Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack, the exact casualty figure remains elusive. DSP Udeme Edet, spokesperson for the Benue State Command, stated that “several people including the attackers lost their lives” when security forces were reinforced to the community.
She explained that “according to our information it happened in the early hours of today (Saturday) when suspected Bandits invaded Yelwata town.”
DSP Edet further elaborated that “the police and tactical teams posted to the town and reinforcement responded swiftly to the attack and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange and unfortunately some of the attackers were killed in the process. But it’s with great sadness that we report that some individuals lost their lives and others sustained injuries.” She assured that police efforts to pursue the attackers and ensure the safety of Benue people would continue.
The latest in a series of escalating incidents, this attack comes despite a recent visit to the state by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyode, aimed at addressing the persistent violence by suspected armed herders. Just two days prior, on Thursday, communities in Makurdi LG, Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa, were also targeted, resulting in the deaths of no fewer than 25 people.
The incessant killings emphasize the dire security challenges facing Benue State, a border town with Nasarawa State and less than 40 minutes drive to the state capital, Makurdi. Residents are left grappling with fear and loss, with many questioning when they will truly find peace amidst the ongoing reign of terror.
The tragic events at Yelewata serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a more robust and sustainable solution to the relentless conflict plaguing the region.