Again, herdsmen launch attack on Yelwata community in Benue, injures two

Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly carried out another attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving at least two residents injured.

The latest incident has raised fresh fears among locals, especially as the community is still recovering from a deadly assault on June 13, 2025, when more than 200 people were killed.

That earlier attack forced many survivors to flee their homes and seek refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

A local leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers stormed the community on Sunday afternoon with their cattle. He added that they reportedly confronted soldiers deployed to protect the area, leading to tension in the community.

Residents say the renewed violence is worsening the already fragile security situation, as many families remain displaced and uncertain about their safety.

According to him, “The attack happened in the afternoon when the herders were openly grazing toward Yelewata town. Soldiers moved to intercept them, and when the herders realised they were about to be apprehended, they began running back,” he said.

The source added, “The soldiers fired warning shots into the air to stop them, but the herders opened fire while retreating. Two people were hit very close to my house.”

He explained that one of the victims, a woman, was shot in the hand, while another person sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. Both were promptly treated and evacuated by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) to Makurdi for further medical care.

“They are still alive, and we are grateful for the quick response of BSEMA,” the source said.

The community leader further pointed out that the incident occurred barely four days after the state government supplied improved agricultural inputs to farmers in the area as part of efforts to enhance food production during the planting season.

He expressed concern that the resurgence of attacks could hinder farming activities and prevent residents from benefiting from the distributed inputs.

“Our people are worried that the renewed activities of armed herdsmen may prevent them from accessing their farms and utilising the provided inputs.

“We fear for our lives every day. How can we farm when armed men roam freely around our farms?” he lamented.

Attempts to get a reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not returned as of the time of filing this report.

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