By Our Reporter 14-12-2025
Suspected Fulani herdsmen Saturday launched a fresh attack on Benue communities leading to the death of over 50 persons.
The attacked occurred in Yelwatda, a Benue border town with Nasarawa state and other surrounding villages. The Chairman of Guma Local Government Area in Benue State, Maurice Orwough, confirmed the attack.
According to witnesses the attackers stormed Yelwatda in the early hours of Saturday splitting into three groups to penetrate Yelewata from multiple directions.
The assault reportedly began through Tse Ate, a track leading to Agugu Igbaakombo, and another path behind the community’s market square.
According to residents who spoke at the scene of the attack, the invaders opened fire in turns to confuse and divide local security efforts.
Youths and police personnel attempted to resist the attackers but were overwhelmed by their numbers and tactical approach.
In a statement issued by Comrade Joseph Apahar Joo, Media and Publicity Officer for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) unit in Benue State, it was revealed that the third group of attackers, who entered through the rear, targeted shops where many residents were sleeping.
“Those who tried to escape were chased and killed. Others couldn’t come out because the attackers had already sprayed fuel on the doors before setting the buildings ablaze,” Comrade Joo said.
