Yelwata, Nigeria — A violent assault on villagers in Yelwata, a town in Benue State near the Nasarawa border, has left a toll of at least 45 dead, with local reports suggesting the death count may be higher. The attack occurred late Friday night, allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen. Local authorities have confirmed the incident, prompting widespread condemnation from state officials.
Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed deep sorrow over the killings, stating that no one has the right to take another person’s life. He emphasized the need for justice and security in the region, which has experienced frequent clashes between herders and local farmers driven by competition over land and resources.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers were heavily armed and engaged in a confrontation with police during the incident. According to Benue’s police spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, law enforcement responded swiftly, resulting in some attackers being neutralized. However, the aftermath left significant destruction, including the burning of multiple houses in Yelwata.
Following the violence, protests erupted in the state capital, Makurdi, as residents gathered with placards demanding that the government take action to safeguard their communities from further aggression. Some demonstrators expressed feelings of helplessness and despair over the lack of protection, pointing out that the threat extends beyond specific ethnic or political groups, affecting everyone in the area, including vulnerable populations like children.
In the wake of the attack, Governor Alia issued a call for unity among religious, traditional, and political leaders, urging them to guide young people away from violent confrontations. He also reassured citizens that the state is intensifying security measures in response to the ongoing violence. “We are committed to protecting the lives and property of all residents,” he said in a statement.
To bolster security, additional tactical teams have been deployed to vulnerable areas, and a response squad is set to begin operations in the region. Community dialogues are also being fostered to improve intelligence sharing and cooperation among local residents.
The recent violence compound an already grim situation in Benue State, which has seen multiple attacks over recent weeks. Just days earlier, a separate assault in Makurdi led to the deaths of 25 people.
In light of the worsening security crisis, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency began relocating internally displaced persons from Yelwata to a temporary camp set up at the Makurdi International Market. Dr. James Iorpuu, the agency’s executive secretary, described the situation as heartbreaking, praising collaborative efforts that made the evacuation possible.
As the community mourns its losses and seeks answers, residents are calling for urgent action from the authorities. They hope that this latest tragedy will prompt the government to strengthen its commitment to ensuring safety and preventing further violence in the region.