Over 100 Feared Dead in Benue State Massacre as Violence Escalates in Nigeria

A devastating attack rocked the town of Yelwata in Nigeria’s Benue State, where over 100 people were feared dead after gunmen launched a brutal overnight assault from Friday into Saturday morning. Amnesty International immediately condemned the attack, calling on the Nigerian government to halt the cycle of bloodshed that has become alarmingly frequent in the region.

Amnesty International released a statement highlighting the surge in violent attacks throughout Benue State, which they described as a “killing spree with utter impunity.” The rights group expressed deep concern over the mass displacement caused by the violence, especially since most victims are farmers, potentially impacting food production and security.

Local accounts paint a grim picture, with residents like Amineh Liapha Hir reporting widespread death and destruction. Hir noted that over 100 people may have died, and countless homes were torched. Another local, Christian Msuega, recounted the tragic loss of his sister and brother-in-law, who were burned alive in the attack.

State government spokesperson Tersoo Kula confirmed that the attack lasted about two hours and resulted in the burning of several homes. Though officials initially confirmed 45 deaths, many residents and witnesses insist that the real toll is much higher, as many people remain missing and feared dead.

Police spokesperson Udeme Edet stated that law enforcement did engage the gunmen in a firefight but could not prevent the massacre. The fact that attackers continue to operate with such impunity underscores the dire security situation in Benue and other parts of Nigeria’s northcentral region.

The persistent violence in Benue is part of a broader conflict between predominantly Muslim Fulani herders and mostly Christian farmers, who clash over access to limited land and water resources. These tensions frequently erupt into deadly violence, leaving villages devastated and communities shattered.

Just last month, gunmen believed to be herders killed at least 20 people in Benue’s Gwer West area. Without decisive intervention, observers fear that attacks like the one in Yelwata will continue, resulting in further loss of life and deepening Nigeria’s internal crisis.