A wave of terror swept through Yelwata town in Benue State’s Guma Local Government Area on Saturday morning as suspected bandits launched a deadly attack, leaving scores feared dead and several others injured.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the incident, which adds to the escalating wave of violence in the region. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, tactical teams were immediately deployed following the surprise invasion. A fierce gun duel ensued between the police and the attackers, leading to fatalities on both sides.
Eyewitnesses report that residents were jolted from sleep around 3 a.m. by heavy gunfire, sending families fleeing into nearby bushes for safety. While police authorities have yet to release the exact number of casualties, multiple sources on the ground say the death toll could be significant.
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“It’s a sad day for us. Armed men stormed Yelwata in the early hours of Saturday. Our operatives, along with reinforcements, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers. Some of the assailants were neutralized, but unfortunately, some innocent lives were also lost,” DSP Edet stated.
The attack comes barely 48 hours after gunmen launched a deadly raid on Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi Local Government Area, where 25 villagers were reportedly killed in cold blood. The spate of attacks has sparked widespread panic and renewed calls for urgent government intervention in Benue State.
Security forces are currently on the trail of the fleeing attackers, as efforts intensify to restore calm to the troubled region. Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, assuring the public that measures are being put in place to prevent further bloodshed.
This latest assault raises grave concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and the growing boldness of non-state actors. As families count their losses and communities mourn, the nation watches with alarm, demanding swift justice and lasting peace.
