Residents of Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, are mourning the aftermath of a deadly attack believed to have been carried out by suspected herdsmen.
Survivors have come forward with harrowing accounts of mass killings, arson, and the destruction of their homes and livelihoods.
Among them is Michael Ajah, who revealed in an emotional interview with News Central TV that he lost 20 members of his immediate family during the assault.
“Eleven died right in this house. Eight more were hiding in the store. Others died in different parts of the compound,” Ajah said, his voice trembling.
“These weren’t distant relatives or friends—these were my brothers, sisters, father, mother. My entire family is gone.”
Ajah also recounted losing everything he owned.
“They burned down my house, my stores, all my belongings. Our food, clothes—everything was destroyed,” he said, lifting the only clothes he managed to escape with.
“This is all I have now.”
According to Ajah, the attackers struck during a heavy downpour at night, around 10:20 p.m., catching residents off guard.
“It was raining heavily. Then we started hearing gunshots. Before we knew it, they had surrounded the house. I heard them speaking in Fulani from inside my room. My father and brother were burned alive. I barely escaped.”
Another resident, Bature Bartholomew, also suffered a tragic loss. He recounted how his younger brother, sister-in-law, and their mother were all trapped and killed when their home was set ablaze.
“My brother and his family were inside when the attackers came. None of them made it out,” Bartholomew said.
He added that the attackers also looted and burned his farm produce, destroying years of investment.
“I had guinea corn, maize, soya beans, and rice stored here. Everything’s gone. I’ve lost goods worth millions of naira.”
Government Response
In reaction to the violence, President Bola Tinubu postponed his planned visit to Kaduna State, redirecting his itinerary to Benue, where he is expected on Wednesday. The visit aims to assess the situation firsthand and discuss long-term strategies to address the recurring violence in the region.
Watch: Survivor Michael Ajah Shares His Story
📺 Click here to watch the interview
“I don’t know how I survived. I escaped death by a miracle.” — Michael Ajah
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