At least 45 killed in central Nigeria raid
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At least 45 people killed and homes destroyed during a herder-led attack in Yelewata, Benue State, Nigeria.
Deadly Overnight Raid in Central Nigeria Leaves At Least 45 Dead
At least 45 people have been killed in an overnight attack in Yelewata town, located in Nigeria’s Benue State, officials confirmed on Saturday.
According to local police and eyewitnesses, the attack was carried out by armed cattle herders, who also burned homes and left dozens injured.
Gun Battle with Police
Police say officers responded to the incident and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle. While some of the armed men fled the scene, the damage had already been done, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction.
Recurring Violence in the Region
The attack is the latest in a string of deadly clashes between nomadic herders and farming communities in Nigeria’s central belt.
The conflict, largely driven by land disputes, dwindling grazing resources, and climate pressure, has plagued Benue State for years.
Just two days earlier, 25 people were killed in an attack in Makurdi, the state capital. And two weeks ago, another 25 people were gunned down in separate incidents also within the state.
Humanitarian Toll Mounts
Yelewata residents say many families are missing, and hundreds have been displaced due to the destruction of their homes. Relief efforts are currently underway as security forces and emergency agencies assess the full extent of the damage.
Government Under Pressure
The repeated violence in Benue State is placing growing pressure on the Nigerian government to address the crisis. Community leaders and rights groups have long called for stronger security presence, conflict mediation, and policy reforms to tackle the root causes of the herder-farmer clashes.
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