Many on various social media platforms launched blistering attacks on President Bola Tinubu over his silence on the massacre in Benue State that has claimed over 100 lives. Some reports say they are over 200.
Others, often using unprintable remarks, wonder why the Presidency was quick to issue a statement commiserating with India over the unfortunate loss of 271 lives in an air crash, while a loud silence remained over the killing of Nigerians at home.
The criticisms come as the youth took over the streets of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, protesting the killings and low flying military aircrafts were said to be monitoring the capital town and environs for activities of terrorists.
A group of 31 Northerners that arrived the state have been arrested to explain their presence. A video emerged warning other northerners to avoid using the Lafia – Makurdi road for their personal safety, because of the angry youths protesting the killing of their kinsmen.
Below is the trending independent travel advisory:
Also, fear and uncertainty have gripped Kadarko and several Tiv border communities in Benue State following the brutal killings that included internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, and children—by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.
The attack occurred over the weekend in Yelwata, a town in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, which shares a boundary with Nasarawa State. According to local reports, the violence has forced many Tiv residents in nearby Nasarawa communities to abandon their homes in anticipation of further violence.
Eyewitnesses described the assault as resembling a war zone. One resident recounted, “I and my children slept in the bush that night. The gunfire was deafening. When we heard Yelwata had been attacked and our people slaughtered, we had no choice but to flee.”
Many locals have expressed frustration over the lack of adequate security, questioning the government’s capacity—or willingness—to protect rural farming communities. “Why have the Fulani continued this killing spree? Are we not citizens? Has the government abandoned us, or is it complicit?” one displaced farmer asked.
According to reports, heavily armed assailants launched a coordinated nighttime assault on Yelwata from two directions. After overpowering local youth and police personnel who attempted to resist them, the attackers opened fire on civilians, including displaced persons sheltering in makeshift accommodations such as market stalls.
Multiple families were reportedly killed in their homes, many of which were set ablaze. Victims included entire households—some with as many as 12 to 15 members—burned alive. Children and toddlers were reportedly among the dead, many of whom were killed in gruesome circumstances.
While the attack on Yelwata was ongoing, another group of attackers stormed Daudu, also in Guma LGA. Unlike Yelwata, Daudu’s residents and security forces mounted stronger resistance, although the clash resulted in the deaths of several security personnel, including a soldier reportedly of the rank of Captain.
Mr. Matthew Mnyan, a community leader and former Acting Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), described the incident as a calculated, premeditated assault. “We had received warnings of impending attacks from Nasarawa State for over a week,” he said. “They came from both eastern and western flanks, clearly intending to destroy the town.”
Mnyan lamented the scale of destruction and loss, stating, “We have counted over 200 dead so far. Entire families were wiped out—men, women, and children—burnt in their sleep. At least 46 people were taken to hospital, and over 20 have died from their injuries.”
He added that the attacks are part of a larger agenda to forcefully displace Tiv communities and take over their ancestral land. “Fulanis have already taken over the eastern part of Yelwata and are farming on land that doesn’t belong to them. This was a well-organized invasion aimed at occupation.”
Chief Dennis Gbongbon, President of the Association of United Farmers Benue Valley (AUFBV), also decried the violence. He confirmed that many of the victims were IDPs who had earlier fled violence in Antsa, Dooka, Kadarko, and Giza, only to be targeted again in Yelwata. “Eighty-five percent of those killed were IDPs. Even after fleeing their homes, they found no refuge,” he said.
Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Internal Security, confirmed that separate attacks occurred in Yelwata and Daudu but said he was still gathering full details. A military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that two military personnel were killed in the attack.
The Benue State Police Command also issued a statement through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirming the attack. According to the police, tactical teams were deployed and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, reportedly killing some of them. However, the police did not release official casualty figures, stating only that several civilians had died and others were injured.
“The police are continuing their pursuit of the attackers and remain committed to restoring security in the affected areas,” the statement read.
