Yelewata Massacre: A Devastating Night in Benue
By [Jonathan | June 16, 2025
Friday Night Horror
Late on June 13, gunmen descended on Yelewata village in Guma LGA, Benue State. The savage attack—lasting into the early morning of June 14—claimed at least 100 lives, with dozens more missing and hundreds injured. Reports confirm that assailants locked victims inside their homes before burning them alive, leaving behind scenes of unimaginable horror—charred bodies and scorched bbuildings.
Who’s Responsible—and Why?
Though no group has claimed the massacre, it bears the grim signature of herder–farmer conflict—common in the Middle Belt. Local farmers, largely Christian, often clash with Fulani herders over grazing land. The latter cite colonial-era grazing rights to justify their actions.
Community in Crisis
Trauma & Loss: Entire families wiped out—one household reportedly lost 23 mmembers
Medical Emergency: Hundreds remain injured, with local health facilities overwhelmed or severely uunderstaffed.
Missing Persons: Bodies are still being recovered—over 107 reported as of Sunday
Government’s Mixed Response
Security Deployment: Governor Alia dispatched tactical teams and federal reinforcements. The IGP also visited the scene.
Public Anger: Benue youths accused Alia of issuing delayed and superficial responses. Protesters in Makurdi blocked roads and demanded action—marked by chants like “Stop Benue killings.”
President Tinubu’s Voice: After 24 hours of silence, President Tinubu declared, Enough is enough,” directing security chiefs to act and calling for dialogue to resolve the crisis
International Outcry: Amnesty International and the Vatican condemned the violence. Amnesty’s X post warned of the cost to “people’s lives and livelihoods.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Graphic images and videos from Yelewata spread rapidly across platforms.
Amnesty’s X post featured burnt homes and bodies, sparking international outrage.
Ground footage of angry youth protests in Makurdi trended under hashtags like #StopBenueKillings, capturing tear-gassing scenes and placards demanding justice .
Political figures—former VP Atiku Obi among them—called out federal inaction, urging swift investigation and accountability via viral tweets and Facebook posts
What Nigeria and the World Demands Now
Transparent Investigation & Accountability: Victims deserve justice.
Strengthened Security Presence: Patrols, intelligence, and tech-assisted surveillance are non-negotiable.
Long-Term Solutions: True peace hinges on resolving land disputes—through ranching reforms, respected grazing reserves, and robust dialogue.
Support for Survivors: Emergency humanitarian aid—medical, psychological, and shelter support—must be prioritized.
Community Voices
“You can build all the roads and skyscrapers you want, but if your people are being slaughtered… then it’s meaningless.” – Terna Avaan, protester
“Before coming here, I saw children burnt to ashes… this insecurity has left a lot of youth jobless… the era of burning things is over.” – “Benue Pete” Mbapuun, urging peaceful protest
Final Thoughts
Yelewata’s massacre is not an isolated tragedy—it is a stark reminder that longstanding, unresolved conflicts in Nigeria’s Middle Belt continue to claim lives. As anger ripples through social media and the streets, the government faces a choice: deliver meaningful security and justice, or risk reigniting communal flames.
Nigeria’s future depends on a decisive, humane response—guided by accountability, reform, and lasting peace.
Have thoughts, memories, or ideas about Yelewata?
Share your voice below or on X with #StopBenueKillings. Let the world hear you.
