💔 Benue Killings: 200 Dead as Suspected Herders Launch Coordinated Attacks on Yelewata, Daudu
Makurdi, Benue State – June 14, 2025
In one of the deadliest massacres in recent times, over 200 people — including internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, children, and security personnel — have been slaughtered in a coordinated night attack by suspected herdsmen on Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to residents and local authorities, the assailants descended on the communities from two different flanks late Thursday night, overpowering youth volunteers and police officers who attempted to resist them.
“Children had their necks slitted like animals. Entire families were burnt alive in stalls and homes,” said community leader Matthew Mnyan, holding back tears.
🔥 Horrific Accounts from Ground Zero
In Yelewata, many IDPs — already displaced from neighboring communities like Branch Udei — had sought shelter in market stalls, assuming they would be safe near police posts. Instead, they were burned alive when the attackers doused the stalls with petrol and set them ablaze.
“They came from the west and east sides, completely overrunning the resistance. People were sleeping in the market stalls because they felt safe — but it became a death trap,” Mnyan said.
Victims include entire families — fathers, mothers, children — all burnt beyond recognition. So far, over 200 bodies have been counted, but the death toll is expected to rise as search efforts continue.
⚔️ Simultaneous Attack in Daudu
While Yelewata was under siege, another group of attackers struck Daudu, also in Guma LGA. This time, the attackers faced stiffer resistance from security forces and youth volunteers. However, the exchange led to the death of several soldiers and police officers, including one reported to be of Captain rank.
A military source confirmed, “We lost two military personnel, but more could be unaccounted for.”
🚨 Planned, Coordinated Terror
Reports suggest the attack was not spontaneous, but a well-planned assault executed by over 300 armed herders allegedly camped near Daudu.
“For over a week, we had intelligence that terrorists planned to strike Yelewata, Daudu, and nearby villages,” said Mnyan. “They want to take over Benue land — they have already occupied the east side of Yelewata.”
🚑 Injured and Hospitalized
According to Chief Dennis Gbongbon, President of the Association of United Farmers Benue Valley (AUFBV), over 62 IDPs and farmers were confirmed dead, and 46 injured persons were taken to hospitals.
“These are people who already lost their homes. Even in supposed safety, terror followed them. This is targeted ethnic cleansing.”
🛡️ Official Reactions
- Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating: “Our tactical teams responded swiftly and killed some attackers. Sadly, civilians also died. We are still pursuing the attackers.”
- Chief Joseph Har, Security Adviser to the Governor, acknowledged the attacks but could not confirm full casualty figures.
