At least 59 people have been killed in Yelwata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa States, following a brutal attack by suspected herdsmen, according to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Governor Alia confirmed the tragic incident on Sunday, stating that military and civil defense personnel were among the casualties, having died while defending the community. The figures were based on headcounts conducted by security agencies in collaboration with affected families.
He acknowledged the support of Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, who reportedly shared intelligence on the cross-border violence, which also led to the death of a woman on the Nasarawa side.
The killings, which occurred late Friday night, sparked massive protests in Makurdi on Sunday. Youths gathered at the Wurukum Food Basket Roundabout, demanding justice and swift action. They were later joined by popular activist and influencer VeryDarkMan (Martin Otse), amplifying calls for government intervention.
In response, President Bola Tinubu has directed security and intelligence agencies to enforce immediate action to secure the state. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the deployment of top military and police officials to the region to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
International concern has also grown. Pope Leo XIV, during his Sunday address at the Vatican, condemned the attack, describing it as a “terrible massacre” targeting displaced and rural Christian communities. He prayed for justice, peace, and an end to violence in Nigeria.
The Benue State government has vowed to investigate findings from a newly submitted panel report on militia activities in the Sankera region and bring perpetrators to justice.
