A fresh wave of violence swept through Yelwata, a community in Guma LGA of Benue State, as gunmen suspected to be Fulani militia launched a night attack on Friday, killing more than 100 people.
The assault came just two weeks after the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, moved into the state to tackle worsening insecurity.
Survivors described the attack as the deadliest in years. The assailants stormed the local market square at about 10 p.m., shooting and using machetes on residents—many of whom were displaced persons seeking refuge in the area.
Properties were razed, and several bodies burnt beyond recognition.
The Benue Police Command confirmed the attack, noting that tactical teams responded and engaged the attackers, killing some.
However, they admitted that many lives were lost and several residents injured.
Benue has recorded over 800 deaths and 400 kidnappings in two years, largely due to ongoing farmer-herder conflicts.
Yelwata, which borders Nasarawa State, has remained volatile since a 2023 military airstrike in the region. Despite military presence, the carnage underscores the depth of insecurity still plaguing the state.
