Over 100 people have been killed after suspected herdsmen launched a devastating attack on Yelewata community in Benue State in the early hours of Saturday.
Franc Utoo, a former Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor and native of Yelewata, has described the attack as "a deliberate act of ethnic cleansing and government abandonment."
Details of the Attack
According to reports, the attackers, believed to have launched from terrorist bases in the Giza and Kadarko axis of Keana LGA in Nasarawa State, invaded Yelewata between 10 pm and 3 am. They reportedly arrived on over 100 motorbikes and were armed with high-grade weapons.
In an emotionally charged statement issued on Saturday, Utoo expressed heartbreak over the massacre, describing it as "a horrifying act of dehumanization."
"They butchered us like animals. Our people were not just killed; they were wiped out with a chilling ruthlessness that suggests this was more than just another attack, it was an orchestrated extermination," he said.
Security Response Questioned
Utoo also lamented the absence of military resistance despite the presence of security forces in the area. "There were soldiers in Yelewata. They were supposed to protect us. But during the attack, they did absolutely nothing. Their inaction is not just suspicious, it's disgraceful," he added.
BenriNews reports that bodies are still being recovered from the attack site, with the death toll expected to rise further.
Calls for Action
Utoo has called for an independent investigation, immediate deployment of security reinforcements, and emergency humanitarian support for survivors.
"Yelewata is not just a dot on the map. It is home to thousands of peace-loving people who deserve the right to live without fear. The blood of our people cries out. If this isn't genocide, then what is?" he questioned.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the attack, though official casualty figures have not yet been released.
This incident marks one of the deadliest attacks in the region this year, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria's Middle Belt region.
Follow BenriNews on our social media platforms for updates on this developing story:
