Mass Killings in Benue: Yelewata Counts 107 Dead, Bodies Burnt Beyond Recognition

At least 107 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating attack on Yelewata, a community in Benue State, allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen in the early hours of Saturday.

According to Daily Post, the attackers invaded the village at dawn, unleashing deadly violence that left dozens dead and many others wounded. Victims included women, children, the elderly, and security officials. Some bodies were reportedly charred beyond recognition.

Eyewitnesses painted grim scenes of destruction. One local, Gberindyer Vanen, recounted seeing human bodies still burning in homes. Another resident, Elder Zege Orkwande, shared online that 107 corpses had been found so far, noting that the death toll may rise as the search continued.

Despite widespread outrage, the Benue State Police Command acknowledged the incident without confirming casualty figures. As of the time of this report, the state government had yet to issue any formal response.

In a condolence message, Engr. Thaddeus Orkpe, a House of Representatives aspirant for Makurdi/Guma, expressed deep sorrow and called for urgent action on security. He described the attack as “senseless and brutal,” urging authorities to pursue justice for the victims and ensure protection for vulnerable communities.

The tragedy marks one of the deadliest single attacks in Benue in recent times and further highlights the region’s ongoing struggle with insecurity and unprovoked violence.