The incident, which occurred around 10:00 p.m., has left the community reeling from the violence and mourning the loss of innocent lives.
According to early reports gathered by Naijapunchnews on Saturday morning, at least 16 individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries during the late-night raid. However, the actual death toll remains unclear as security agencies continue combing through the scene to ascertain the full extent of the carnage.
Security Forces Ambushed En Route
In response to an emergency call from the besieged community, operatives from the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were immediately dispatched. Tragically, while en route to Yelewata, the team was ambushed in Daudu, a nearby area.
The sudden and calculated ambush claimed the lives of two military personnel and one NSCDC officer, adding to the grim toll of the night.
“These brave men paid the ultimate price in service to our people. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” a community elder lamented while speaking to Daily Post, paying tribute to the fallen officers who were attempting to protect the vulnerable.
Hospitals Overwhelmed, Blood Urgently Needed
Survivors of the attack were quickly transported to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi, where they are currently receiving treatment. Medical personnel at the facility have issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, emphasizing the critical condition of many of the victims.
“We are doing everything possible, but we need blood donors now. Every minute counts,” a senior hospital official told Naijapunchnews.
In the wake of the tragedy, residents, humanitarian organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians have been urged to come forward and support the recovery efforts, particularly by donating blood and providing medical assistance.
Community in Mourning and Fear
The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents expressing grief and fear over the increasing frequency of such violent incursions. Local leaders have renewed calls for stronger government intervention and enhanced security presence in Benue and other vulnerable regions.
A local youth leader, while calling for peace and unity, stated: “We are living in fear. Every night brings new uncertainty. The government must do more to protect us.”
One deeply moved resident offered condolences to the bereaved families, especially those who lost loved ones in uniform. Out of sensitivity and respect, the individual refrained from sharing graphic images of the aftermath, stating, “The pain is too raw. We must honor the dignity of those we lost.”
Background: A State Under Siege
Benue State has, for years, been one of the epicenters of violent clashes between armed herdsmen and farming communities. These recurrent attacks have displaced thousands and severely disrupted agricultural activities in the region, which is often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation.”
As investigations continue and families count their losses, the people of Yelewata are left with yet another painful reminder of the urgent need for security reform and lasting peace across Nigeria’s troubled middle belt.
