In a tragic incident, Fulani herdsmen have reportedly killed over 107 people and injured numerous others in Yelewata Town, located in Benue State.
According to reports, around 10:00 PM on June 13, 2025, Yelewata experienced another violent attack by Fulani herdsmen, who have been a source of unrest in the region for several decades.
At the time of reporting, the number of victims was difficult to ascertain due to ongoing searches for bodies within the ruins of burned structures. With the assistance of community member Terngu Tsesaa, a preliminary count indicated over 107 deceased people, including children, and over 16 people have sustained varying degrees of injuries. However, families of those reported missing estimate that the total number of fatalities may exceed 100.
The assault on Yelewata, part of the Nyiev council ward in Guma local government Benue State, appears to have been a calculated operation. For the first time since the onset of violent incursions in Benue State, the town that previously demonstrated resilience was subjected to this unprecedented event.
The attackers reportedly divided into three groups, entering the town through different routes, including Tse Ate, a path leading to Agugu Igbaakombo, as well as an entrance situated behind the market square. Residents who witnessed the assault noted that the two groups advancing from the front of the town commenced firing alternately. The group approaching from the left initiated the attack, prompting a response from local youths and law enforcement, while the group on the right began its operation simultaneously.
This tactical maneuver resulted in the forced division of police officers and local youths, who found themselves outnumbered by the assaulting factions. During the engagement, the attackers compelled law enforcement to withdraw as they executed their plan to infiltrate the area, targeting shops and residences with incendiary materials.
The assailants ignited fires in the shops, trapping people who were present at the time. Those who attempted to flee were pursued and killed, while others could not escape as the attackers had already doused the exits with fuel.
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