As many as 100 people have been killed in the Yelewata village in Nigeria’s Benue state on late Friday night, said Amnesty International Nigeria. In a social media post, the Human Rights Organisation said, "Many people are still missing...dozens injured and left without adequate medical care," adding, "Many families were locked up and burnt inside their bedrooms.”
The crimes against humanity have been committed in the onslaught. Police spokesman Udeme Edet from Benue confirmed the attack but did not specify the death toll. It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the attack, as no militia or terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
Governor of Benue state Hyacinth Alia sent a delegation to Yelewata to provide support to the relatives of the victims. Several videos posted on social media showed burnt houses and corpses lying on the ground.
Benue State is in the middle of the North, dominated by the Muslim and Christian-dominated south belt in the country, making it a perfect place for fanatic elements from both sides to carry out their heinous acts of terrorism.
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The region often sees violence over access to land and water resources between farmers and herders, worsened by ethnic and religious tensions. Since 2019, the violence in Nigeria has claimed more than 500 lives and internally displaced thousands more, suggests data from Nigerian geopolitical research consultancy SBM Intelligence.
Last month, gunmen believed to be herders killed at least 20 people in the Gwer West district in Benue. In April, 40 were killed in the nearby state of Plateau. Nigeria has been marred by violent clashes, terrorism and security issues, with ethnic groups often clashing for control over natural resources, especially the water.
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