Yelewata community in Benue State was thrown into chaos as suspected herders launched a sudden and brutal evening attack.
Security forces rushing to the scene were ambushed, leaving two soldiers and one NSCDC officer dead in the violence.
A peaceful night turned into a nightmare for residents of Yelewata, a community in Benue State, after suspected armed herders stormed the area around 10:00 pm on Friday, leaving many people either dead or badly wounded.
Eyewitnesses and early reports reaching local authorities by 4:00 am on Saturday indicated that at least 16 people were seriously injured during the violent raid. However, the actual number of those who lost their lives has not yet been confirmed, as emergency workers and security forces continue to gather details from the scene.
Responding quickly to a distress call from residents, personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) made their way toward the troubled area. Unfortunately, on their way through Daudu, the joint security team was ambushed. The attack claimed the lives of two soldiers and one NSCDC officer.
A community leader expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the security personnel, describing them as courageous individuals who died protecting others. “These men gave their lives in the line of duty. Their bravery and sacrifice will be remembered,” he said.
Meanwhile, survivors of the attack have been moved to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi for urgent medical care. Doctors attending to them have called on members of the public to donate blood, noting that several victims are in critical condition and need transfusions.
Calls have also gone out to charitable groups and concerned citizens to offer immediate help to the victims, especially in the form of medical aid and supplies.
One resident, still shaken by the event, sent condolences to the families of those affected, especially the security officers who lost their lives. He added that he would not share disturbing images from the scene, out of respect for the victims and their families.
