Connect with us

crime

Fresh Yelwata Attack Sparks Fear in Benue Community

Published

on

Benue

Yelwata attack in Benue leaves residents injured as suspected herdsmen strike again, raising fears of renewed violence and displacement

Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly launched a fresh attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, injuring two residents and reigniting fears among locals already grappling with a history of violent assaults.

Read more: Nine Convicted Over Benue Church Worshippers’ Abduction Case

The latest Yelwata attack occurred on Sunday afternoon when the armed group allegedly moved through the area alongside their cattle. According to a community source who spoke anonymously, the confrontation began when security operatives attempted to intercept the movement of the herders, leading to a tense exchange that escalated into gunfire.

Advertisement

Residents reported that soldiers fired warning shots in an effort to disperse the suspects, but the situation intensified as the attackers allegedly responded with gunfire while retreating.

Two individuals were struck during the incident, with injuries sustained near residential areas, further deepening panic within the community.

The Yelwata attack has revived memories of a devastating assault on June 13, 2025, when over 200 people were reportedly killed, forcing many survivors to flee into internally displaced persons camps.

Advertisement

The recurrence of violence has heightened concerns about the safety of residents and the stability of the area.

Both injured victims, including a woman who sustained a gunshot wound to the hand and another resident who was hit in the leg, were evacuated to Makurdi for medical treatment by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency. Community members confirmed that the prompt response helped stabilise the situation.

Local leaders have expressed worry that continued insecurity could disrupt farming activities, particularly as residents rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Advertisement

The renewed tension is already discouraging some from accessing their farmlands despite recent government support aimed at boosting agricultural production.

Read more: Nine Convicted Over Benue Church Worshippers’ Abduction Case

Residents have called on security agencies and government authorities to strengthen protection in the area, stressing that sustained peace is essential to restore confidence and allow normal economic and social activities to resume.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

crime

Nasarawa Police Launch Forest Offensive Against Bandits

Published

on

Nasarawa police operation targets kidnappers, bandits and armed robbers in forest hideouts, with tactical teams deployed across three sectors.

The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched a special security operation targeting bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal groups operating in forests across the state.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, flagged off the exercise in Lafia on Wednesday, October 21, before leading officers towards Alagye Forest in Doma Local Government Area.

Advertisement

Mohammed said the operation followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at strengthening security and restoring lasting peace across Nasarawa State.

He disclosed that tactical squads, anti-kidnapping units and intelligence operatives had been deployed to identified security flashpoints and forest corridors considered vulnerable to criminal activity.

According to the police commissioner, the operation is expected to continue until the end of December, with officers instructed to carry out their duties professionally and comply strictly with the rules of engagement.

Advertisement

To improve coordination and coverage, the command has divided the state into three operational sectors.

Sector A, covering the Lafia zone, is headed by ACP Lamidu Alkali, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 58 in Lafia. Sector B, covering the Akwanga zone, is led by ACP Kadir Umar, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 38 in Akwanga.

Sector C, which covers the Keffi zone, is under ACP Olobekga Saligo, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 69 in Toto.

Advertisement

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Sanusi Jidda, will coordinate activities across the three sectors to support the dismantling of criminal camps and improve the effectiveness of the operation.

Mohammed urged residents to assist the security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.

He assured the public that information supplied to the police would be treated confidentially and encouraged residents to remain law-abiding while continuing their legitimate activities.

Advertisement

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property as the operation gets underway.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The success of the Nasarawa police operation will depend on effective intelligence gathering, coordination among security teams and cooperation from local communities. The command has yet to disclose details of arrests, weapons recovered or other operational results.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending