Again, gunmen strike in Yelwata, shoot many

Gunmen have launched a fresh attack on Yelwata community in Benue State, raising fears among the residents of the area.

It was gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, August 11, 2025.

The attack comes barely two months after gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, stormed Yelwata and killed about 200 people, including internally displaced persons, with many burned alive.

The latest attack, eyewitnesses said, triggered a protest led by local women, who stormed the streets demanding the immediate withdrawal of soldiers stationed in the area.

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The protesters, who disclosed that many residents were shot by the gunmen, accused the security personnel of failing to protect residents from repeated assaults.

The aggrieved residents also appealed to authorities to provide urgent transportation to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, saying they no longer feel safe staying in the community.

“They should take us to Makurdi because the government cannot protect us,” one of the protesters said.

The Benue State Police Command has yet to speak on the incident as of press time.

The Star