At least 107 bodies have been recovered following a devastating early morning attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Yelewata, a quiet community in Benue State.

 

The assault reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday, when gunmen stormed the settlement, unleashing violence that left dozens dead and many others injured. Local sources confirmed by Saturday afternoon that over 100 corpses had already been retrieved from the ruins of the community.

 

Among the victims were women, children, the elderly, and some security personnel. Witnesses recounted horrific scenes, with several bodies burnt beyond recognition. Survivors could be seen searching through the debris, desperately looking for missing loved ones.

 

One eyewitness, Gberindyer Vanen, shared his distressing experience:

 

“I just drove past Yelewata now. Human beings are still burning inside their homes. You can perceive the smell of roasted human flesh.”

 

 

 

Another resident, Elder Zege Orkwande, took to social media with a grim update:

 

“So far, 107 bodies found while the search is still in progress. Pray for Yelewata, pray for Benue State. Our leaders’ failures in insecurity is obvious.”

 

 

 

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident in a brief statement but declined to release an official death toll. As of the time of this report, the Benue State Government had not issued a formal response.

 

In the wake of the tragedy, House of Representatives hopeful for Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, Engr. Thaddeus Orkpe, expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with the affected families.

In his words:

 

“I am deeply saddened by the senseless and brutal attack that claimed the lives of innocent citizens in Yelewata. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families and the entire community during this time of immense sorrow.

 

This act of violence is not only condemnable but a tragic reminder of the urgent need to strengthen security and ensure justice for all.”

 

 

 

The attack adds to the growing list of violent incidents plaguing Benue State, often caught in the crossfire of the prolonged herder-farmer conflict that continues to claim lives across Nigeria’s Middle Belt.