Michael Ajah, a survivor of recent attacks in Yelewata, Benue State, recounted how 20 members of his extended family were killed during a nighttime assault by armed men. The attackers struck after heavy rainfall at 10:20 p.m., burning homes and stores while residents slept. Ajah lost 11 relatives inside his house, eight in a nearby store, and others in the vicinity. The attack left him with only the clothes on his back, as all his belongings were destroyed. Over 200 lives were reportedly lost in the latest Benue violence.
- The attackers exploited a post-rain vulnerability, ambushing the community under the cover of darkness.
- Systematic destruction of property compounded the tragedy, leaving survivors without shelter or possessions.
- This incident reflects a broader pattern of unchecked violence in Benue, with over 200 deaths reported recently.
Ajah’s account paints a devastating picture of the violence ravaging Benue communities. While the numbers often feel distant, personal stories like his lay bare the scale of human loss. Despite repeated attacks, an effective government response remains elusive.
This isn’t just another casualty count. It’s an indictment of the silence, the impunity, and the absence of protection. As families like Ajah’s mourn, the calls for security reform in Benue are no longer whispers—they’re screams.
