How I lost 20 family members, Benue attack survivor recounts ordeal

Some survivors of the latest attacks in Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State have recounted their ordeal.

Last Friday night, over 100 people were killed in attacks by suspected herdsmen in Yelwata and Daudu communities, both in Guma LGA.

The incident occurred less than 48 hours after the killing of 25 people in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi LGA.

Reports indicate that many Internally Displaced Persons and farmers were killed, with some burned alive in makeshift shelters.

Speaking with News Central TV, a survivor of the attack, Michael Ajah said that 20 of his family members were killed, adding that all his belongings were destroyed.

‘They burned my clothes and all our food. The clothes I’m wearing are what I came out with. It’s the only thing I have left’, he said.

On how the attack occurred, Ajah recalled that it had been raining in the evening of that day, adding that at about 10:20 pm gunshots were heard.

‘Before we could comprehend what was happening, Fulani men came. I’m sure they were Fulani men because I heard them speaking clearly. I narrowly escaped’, he said.

Pointing at some houses, he said: ‘Eleven of my family members died in this house, and eight died here. In total, 20 of my family members died that day. My stores were burned, my house was burned, and where I stored my goods was burned’.

Another victim, Bature Bartholomew said that his younger brother, sister-in-law, and mother were burnt alive in their home.

He said that his goods worth millions of Naira were also burnt during the attack.

He said: ‘I lost millions. I store grains like maize, guinea corn and soya beans. My younger brother stays here, but he was burned alive. My brother, his wife, mother and many others were burnt here’.

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit Benue state on Wednesday to address the ongoing violence in the state.

In a statement on Monday, the President’s spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga said that the visit is part of efforts to assess the situation firsthand and engage with stakeholders on resolving the crisis.