The Digest:
A police witness has testified in a Federal High Court in Abuja that disgruntled Fulani chiefs sponsored over 200 armed men with AK-47 rifles to carry out the June 13, 2025, attack on Yelwata community in Benue State. The assault allegedly left more than 200 people dead and properties worth millions destroyed. The witness, Moses Paul, stated the suspects were arrested following investigations and that meetings were held in Nasarawa State to plan the attack, allegedly in response to perceived unfair treatment of Fulani in Benue. Nine suspects have pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges.
Key Points:
- Families of over 200 victims and the entire Yelwata community seek justice for the devastating attack.
- The massacre caused immense loss of life and economic devastation, with long-term psychological trauma for survivors.
- The testimony implicates traditional and community leaders in the violence, while the accused face potential life sentences.
- The court proceedings are a critical step toward accountability for one of the deadliest attacks in recent years.
- The trial unfolds nearly a year after the attack, testing the judicial system's capacity to handle complex terrorism cases.
Sources: Punch Newspapers
