At least 100 people were killed when gunmen attacked Yelewata village in the Guma area of Benue State between late June 14 and the early hours of June 15.
Survivors said the attackers surrounded homes, locked residents inside, set the buildings ablaze and shot anyone who tried to flee. Dozens remain missing, and hundreds more were wounded and are waiting for medical care at overcrowded clinics.
“This was not a simple clash,” Amnesty said. “Many bodies were burnt beyond recognition.” Graphic images on social media showed charred houses and lifeless bodies strewn across fields.
Local police spokesman Udeme Edet confirmed an attack occurred but would not give a casualty count. Authorities are investigating, and Governor Hyacinth Alia has sent relief teams to help victims’ families.
Violence in Benue has risen sharply in recent weeks. On May 25, raids in Gwer West and Apa local government areas left at least 20 people dead and forced many to flee their homes. In early June, gunmen struck Tse-Antswam, Edikwu and Ankpali villages, killing at least 33 civilians despite nearby military checkpoints.
While farmers and nomadic herders frequently clash over land and water, officials now suspect better-armed groups may be carrying out coordinated attacks. Benue, known as Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” faces growing food shortages as farmers abandon fields in fear.
The federal government has deployed more troops and called for tighter border patrols. Aid groups warn that unless security improves, the humanitarian crisis will deepen.
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