Fresh tension in Benue as suspected armed herders attack community, two injured

Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly carried out another attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving two residents injured and reigniting tension in the troubled area.

The latest incident comes months after the community suffered a devastating assault on June 13, 2025, during which more than 200 people were reportedly killed. The massacre displaced hundreds of residents, many of whom are still taking refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

A local leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the attackers stormed the community on Sunday afternoon with their cattle and confronted soldiers deployed to maintain security in the area.

According to the source, the herders were openly grazing towards Yelewata town when security operatives attempted to intercept them.

“The attack happened in the afternoon when the herders were openly grazing toward Yelewata town. Soldiers moved to intercept them, and when the herders realised they were about to be apprehended, they began running back,” he said.

He added that the situation escalated after soldiers fired warning shots into the air in a bid to halt the retreating herders.

“The soldiers fired warning shots into the air to stop them, but the herders opened fire while retreating. Two people were hit very close to my house,” the source explained

One of the victims, a woman, was reportedly shot in the hand, while another resident sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. Both victims were promptly treated and evacuated by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) to Makurdi for further medical attention.

“They are still alive, and we are grateful for the quick response of BSEMA,” the community leader stated.

Residents expressed deep concern over the renewed violence, noting that the attack occurred barely four days after the state government distributed improved agricultural inputs to farmers in the area to boost food production during the ongoing planting season.

The community leader warned that persistent insecurity could undermine farming activities and frustrate efforts to improve agricultural output.

“Our people are worried that the renewed activities of armed herdsmen may prevent them from accessing their farms and utilising the provided inputs. We fear for our lives every day. How can we farm when armed men roam freely around our farms?” he lamented.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation or reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not returned as of the time of filing this report.

The fresh attack has heightened fears among residents, who say lasting peace and adequate security presence are urgently needed to prevent a recurrence of the deadly violence that has plagued the community in recent months.