Benue State Reels from Deadly Attacks, Over 200 Feared Dead

Makurdi, Nigeria – June 15, 2025: Benue State is in mourning after a wave of deadly attacks swept through the Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area late Friday night, leaving over 200 people feared dead. Among the victims are internally displaced persons (IDPs) and five soldiers, as violence continues to escalate in the region.

Eyewitnesses report that the assailants, believed to be terrorist herders, launched coordinated assaults on the affected communities, including the Mbaivur area near the Benue Air Force Base. Survivors describe scenes of chaos and devastation, with many homes destroyed and families left searching for missing loved ones.

The attacks have sparked outrage and fear across Benue State. Residents took to the streets in protest on Saturday, demanding urgent government intervention and increased security. Police responded by dispersing the crowds with teargas, further heightening tensions in the area.

Community leaders and civil society organizations have condemned the violence, calling on federal and state authorities to act swiftly to restore peace and protect vulnerable populations. “We cannot continue to live in fear; our people deserve safety and justice,” said one local leader.

Despite the scale of the tragedy, authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing the full extent of the casualties or outlining a comprehensive response plan. Security forces are reportedly on high alert, but many residents remain anxious about further attacks.

The Benue State crisis highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where clashes between farming communities and herders have resulted in repeated cycles of violence. As the state counts its losses, the call for urgent action and lasting solutions grows ever louder.