A brutal assault by suspected terrorist Fulani herdsmen has left over 200 people dead, including five security personnel and internally displaced persons, IDPs, as well as children and women, in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State. The attack, believed to be coordinated and premeditated, happened days after residents warned of imminent threats.

The assailants attacked Yelewata from two fronts, overpowering local youths and police officers, then opening fire on defenceless internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, and children hiding in market stalls and homes. Many innocent victims, including children, were slaughtered or burned alive in their houses and market areas.

While the chaos was ongoing in Yelewata, another group besieged Daudu, where brave resistance by locals and security personnel resulted in casualties, including the tragic death of some security officers.

Community leader Mr. Matthew Mnyan described the scene as “another dark day,” recounting families of up to 15 burnt to death and dozens hospitalised. He emphasised that intelligence had warned of attacks on several communities, highlighting the alarming organisation behind the assault.

The incident underscores escalating violence and land disputes driven by land grabbing and ethnic tensions in the region. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the tragedy amid ongoing investigations.