In a powerful statement following the horrific June 14 attack in Yelewata (Guma LGA), Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia emphasized that the violence extends far beyond the typical farmer-herder disputes. He described the attackers as bandits and terrorists, not herders with grievances.
According to Amnesty International, at least 100 people were killed—many burned alive—and hundreds injured or missing in the massacre. Governor Alia has dispatched a state delegation to support affected families and is calling for urgent security measures and strategic cooperation among North Central states.
This attack is just one in a series of violent incidents. Since late 2024, more than 1,000 households were displaced in a string of attacks across Benue. Earlier in 2025, communities around Kwande, Agatu, Gwer-West, Katsina-Ala, and Ukum were hit hard by raids that destroyed homes, farms, and left dozens dead.
Governor Alia has taken decisive action:
- Banned gatherings after 10 pm and prohibited open grazing in response to rising insecurity
- Installed mobile security posts and military collaboration in vulnerable areas
- Called for regional unity among North Central governors to tackle terrorism and banditry collectively
This latest bloodbath underlines the limitations of labeling the crisis as purely farmer-herder conflict. Governor Alia’s descriptions of the perpetrators as “bandits” and “terrorists” signify a darker turn and raise urgent questions about regional coordination, accurate intelligence, and grassroots resilience
