Survivors of a recent deadly attack in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, have shared heartbreaking stories after suspected Fulani herdsmen invaded their homes, killing several people and setting houses and shops on fire.
Michael Ajah, one of the survivors, told News Central TV that he lost at least 20 of his own family members in the attack.
“My people, my family members, they died in this house—11. Some died in the other store—eight—and some died here. The total is 20. That is my own family members. I’m not talking about anyone else,” Ajah said with tears in his eyes.
Ajah also lost all his belongings. “This is my store. Those shops are mine. They burnt everything—my house, my clothes, my food. I came out with only what I am wearing,” he said, holding onto his shirt.
He recalled that the attack happened at night during heavy rain. “Rain started in the evening, and I went to sleep. Around 10:20 p.m., I heard gunshots. Before we realised what was happening, Fulani men had already entered,” he said.
Ajah added, “They surrounded the room I was sleeping in. I heard them speak with my own ears. I escaped narrowly, but my brother and father were burnt inside the house.”
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Another resident, Bature Bartholomew, also lost several loved ones, including his younger brother, sister-in-law, and mother, who were all burnt alive in their home.
“I store grains like guinea corn, maize, soya beans, and rice. All were burnt. I can’t say the exact amount, but the losses run into millions of naira. My brother stayed in this house. He was burnt inside it along with his wife and our mother,” Bartholomew said.
The recent killings have shocked the community and drawn attention to the worsening insecurity in Benue State.
President Bola Tinubu, who had earlier planned to visit Kaduna State, has now rescheduled his trip and will travel to Benue State on Wednesday. According to officials, this visit is part of renewed efforts to bring peace and stop the constant violence affecting the region.