In a horrifying escalation of violence, between 100 and 200 Christians have been murdered by Fulani Jihadist herdsmen in Nigeria’s Benue State, according to multiple sources. Source: Crux.
Heavily armed jihadists stormed Yelwata – a farming community in Guma County – between Friday and Saturday. They set homes ablaze and slaughtered the predominantly Christian inhabitants.
Located less than eight kilometres north of the state capital, Makurdi, Yelwata is a farming village that is 97 per cent Catholic and three per cent other denominations. It also hosts Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who fled earlier Jihadist Fulani attacks in neighbouring towns.
According to Tersoo Kula, a spokesperson for the state governor’s office, the attack on Yelwata lasted about two hours. He said government and police officials visiting the village confirmed a lower death toll of 45.
However, Amnesty International said that at least 100 people were killed, but Truth Nigeria – a US-registered online media organisation that reports on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria – puts the death toll at over 200.
Fr Moses Aondover Iorapuu – vicar general, director of communications and parish priest of Holy Ghost Parish in Makurdi – also claimed the higher number.
“The recent attack on Yelewata in Benue State, which left over 200 people killed or burnt beyond recognition, is a grim reminder of the daily struggles faced by many Benue citizens,” Fr Iorapuu said.
“This tragedy unfolded a day after President Bola Tinubu renewed his commitment to transforming Nigeria and protecting the lives and properties of its citizens. The stark contrast between words and reality is jarring.”
And the toll could rise.
“Many people are still missing, aside from dozens injured and left without adequate medical care. Many families were locked up and burnt inside their bedrooms. So many bodies were burnt beyond recognition,” Amnesty International said on X.
It said gunmen have been “on a killing spree with utter impunity”.
In comments to Crux, Fr Iorapuu described the attack as “barbaric” and expressed disappointment at the inaction of the security forces.
FULL STORY
Latest attack reportedly kills nearly 200 people in Nigeria (By Ngala Killian Chimtom, Crux)
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