Benue Massacre: Over 200 Killed in Coordinated Attacks on Yelewata, Daudu by Suspected Fulani Herdsmen

IDPs, Security Personnel, Women and Children Among Victims of Devastating Night Raids

Benue State – June 14, 2025 – No fewer than 200 people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, children, and security personnel, have been reportedly killed in fresh coordinated attacks by suspected terrorist herdsmen on Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

TJ News Nigeria reports that the carnage unfolded late Thursday night, June 12, into the early hours of Friday, leaving behind a trail of destruction, grief, and unanswered questions.

▪️ Double-Front Assault: Survivors Describe Chilling Scenes

According to eyewitnesses and local leaders, the attackers launched their onslaught on Yelewata from two strategic directions—east and west—overpowering community youths and police operatives stationed to protect vulnerable IDPs. Many of the victims were reportedly burnt alive in makeshift shelters and market stalls, with entire families wiped out.

 

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Mr. Matthew Mnyan, a prominent community leader and former acting chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), recounted the horror:

“They came around 11 p.m. and opened fire from both ends. The police and youths tried to resist them, but they were overpowered. People were slaughtered like animals and entire families incinerated. It’s a terrible sight.”

He disclosed that preliminary casualty reports exceed 200 deaths, with dozens more critically injured and hospitalized. Many bodies were burnt beyond recognition, while 46 injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, 20 of whom later died.

▪️ Second Wave of Attack in Daudu

While the massacre in Yelewata was underway, another group of armed herdsmen launched a simultaneous attack on Daudu, a neighbouring community in the same LGA. TJ News Nigeria gathered that resistance from local youths and military personnel prevented further escalation, but not without heavy losses.

Community sources confirmed that at least five security operatives, including a Nigerian Army Captain, were among those killed in the gunfight.

A military source who requested anonymity also confirmed the deaths of two soldiers, stating, “We lost two military personnel in that attack, but I cannot tell you more than that for now.”

▪️ Grim Warnings Ignored

Local leaders lamented that prior intelligence regarding planned attacks from suspected Fulani militia hiding near the Nasarawa border had been ignored. There were unverified reports of more than 300 armed men camping close to Daudu before the attack.

Mr. Mnyan emphasized:

“This was a premeditated attack. For over a week, intelligence had indicated imminent strikes on Yelewata, Ortese, Yogbo, Ukoho, and Daudu. Yet, there was no preventive intervention.”

He accused the attackers of not just murdering locals but also attempting to occupy and farm on seized lands in Yelewata.

▪️ Farmers and IDPs Targeted

Chief Dennis Gbongbon, President of the Association of United Farmers Benue Valley (AUFBV), described the incident as an “unprovoked and strategic extermination of Tiv farmers and displaced persons.”

He stated:

“Over 85% of the victims were displaced farmers from Antsa, Dooka, Kadarko, and Giza. Even in IDP camps, terror has followed them.”

According to Chief Gbongbon, more than 62 victims were killed among those sheltering in market stalls, with many burnt alive. He warned that the death toll would rise as search-and-rescue operations continued.

▪️ Government and Police Respond

Benue State Governor’s Special Adviser on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, confirmed the attacks but could not provide exact figures. “They were two separate but coordinated attacks on Yelewata and Daudu. We are still gathering accurate data,” he stated.

The Benue State Police Command, in a press release by its Public Relations Officer DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the incident:

“Suspected bandits invaded Yelewata early this morning. Police and tactical teams engaged them, and some of the attackers were neutralized. However, lives were lost and others injured. We are actively pursuing the perpetrators.”

▪️ Growing Concerns of Land Grabs and Ethnic Cleansing

Locals and analysts fear that the systematic attacks represent a broader campaign of land occupation and ethnic cleansing, especially in central Nigeria. Mr. Mnyan added:

“There’s a clear motive here—to take over land, displace the original inhabitants, and establish dominance through terror. It’s calculated.”

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📌 Key Points:

• Over 200 confirmed dead, including women, children, IDPs, and security personnel

• Coordinated attacks on two communities—Yelewata and Daudu

• Victims included entire families burnt alive

• Security lapses despite earlier intelligence warnings

• Soldiers and police outgunned in initial confrontation

• Accusations of land seizure and silent occupation by Fulani militia

• Police and military pursuing attackers, but community remains in fear