Tragic Assault on Yelewata Village
In a horrifying incident, at least 100 people have been killed in a gun attack on Yelewata village in the Guma area of Benue state, north-central Nigeria. The attack, which occurred between late Friday and the early hours of Saturday, was reported by Amnesty International Nigeria in a statement on social media. The rights group highlighted the scale of the tragedy, noting that dozens remain missing and hundreds are injured, many without access to adequate medical care.
The violence was marked by extreme brutality, with Amnesty International stating, 'Many families were locked up and burnt inside their bedrooms. So many bodies were burnt beyond recognition.' Graphic images and videos circulating on social media platforms have shown the aftermath, depicting charred remains and destroyed homes, underscoring the devastating impact on this rural community.
Context of Violence in Benue State
Benue state has long been a hotspot for conflict, often driven by disputes between farmers and herders over land and resources. The region has seen numerous attacks in recent years, with Yelewata being the latest community to suffer such a catastrophic loss. While specific details about the perpetrators of this attack are still emerging, reports suggest a coordinated assault, with gunmen striking from multiple directions to overpower local resistance.
Local accounts shared on social media platforms indicate that the attackers may have been heavily armed herders, a recurring theme in the region's violence. One post described a 'coordinated attack' where gunmen approached from both western and eastern parts of Yelewata, overwhelming both residents and security personnel who attempted to defend the village.
Ongoing Crisis and Calls for Action
The scale of the attack has prompted urgent calls for intervention. Amnesty International Nigeria emphasized the dire situation of survivors, many of whom are injured and lack proper medical support. The group’s report of hundreds affected adds to the growing concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the wake of such violence.
Social media posts reflect widespread frustration and fear among Nigerians, with some users urging for stronger security measures, including aerial bombardments of suspected hideouts in the north-central region. As the death toll stands at over 100, with potential for more casualties as missing persons are accounted for, the incident in Yelewata serves as a grim reminder of the persistent insecurity plaguing parts of Nigeria.