Over 100 people have been killed in a brutal attack by gunmen in Yelewata, Benue state over the weekend, with many more still missing and dozens injured without adequate medical care. The attackers, reportedly Fulani militia, locked families in their bedrooms and set them ablaze, leaving many bodies burnt beyond recognition.
Amnesty International has condemned the attack, calling on the Nigerian authorities to end the “almost daily bloodshed” in Benue state and bring the perpetrators to justice. The rights group has documented a surge in attacks across the state, which have displaced many and threaten food security since most victims are farmers.
The latest violence highlights the failure of the government’s security measures, Amnesty International said, warning that without immediate action, many more lives may be lost. The organization’s statement has put pressure on the authorities to take concrete steps to stem the violence and protect civilians.
Meanwhile, the police in Benue State have dispersed residents protesting the insecurity in the state following the killing of more than 100 people by those described by some residents and government officials as Fulani militia terrorists who invaded Yelwata town of Guma Local Government Area Friday night.
Residents of Yelwata town, however, protested the killings on Saturday evening, blocking the Lafia-Makurdi highway.
The protesters, mostly young people dressed in black and carrying fresh leaves, gathered under the banner of the social media campaign #StopBenueKillings to demand urgent government action to halt the violence. The protest drew a large crowd and attracted the attention of security forces.
Commissioner of Police in Benue, Emenari Ifeanyi, addressed the demonstrators at the roundabout. He appealed for calm and urged the protesters not to interfere with ongoing security operations. His words were stark: “We’re here instead of fighting in the bush with other security agencies. Prolonging your protest gives our enemies time to plan. We have intel on their movements and are working to block them.”
Moments later, the scene erupted as police fired tear gas into the crowd. Videos captured protesters scattering, coughing, and covering their faces as smoke wafted through the air. A police helicopter hovered above, while patrol vans ringed the area.
The killings by herdsmen in Benue have persisted for over ten years despite several assurances from security agencies.
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