A wave of terror and bloodshed swept through Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State as suspected armed herdsmen carried out a coordinated late-night massacre, leaving over 100 people dead, according to Amnesty International, Sahara reporters gathered.

The attack, which occurred between Friday night and early Saturday morning, has been described as one of the deadliest in Benue’s recent history. 

Eyewitnesses and survivors have recounted horrifying scenes of entire households wiped out, bodies burnt beyond recognition, and homes reduced to rubble.

 “In this house, 40 people were killed; 35 died in the next one,” said a resident, who also confirmed that the local police station was attacked as the assailants split into two groups, one targeting law enforcement, the other systematically going door to door, killing and burning residents.

A local pharmacist was among those killed. His brother, speaking through tears in a video circulating online, revealed he had lost 15 family members in the massacre. Other families reportedly lost three to five relatives each, with entire households being annihilated.

The economic cost was also devastating. Over 200 bags of rice, valued at approximately ₦25 million, were destroyed in the arson attacks, as the attackers also razed farmlands and food stores.

Graphic footage shared by social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, depicted charred remains of children and adults, still-smouldering buildings, and farmland turned to ash.

 “What my eyes have seen, my mouth cannot speak,” said Otse in the emotional video. “These are children that were massacred here, burnt to ashes.”

A resident who narrowly escaped described the moment the attack began:

 “We were indoors because of the rain. Around 10:45 p.m., we heard gunshots at the police station. Then, the second group began breaking into homes and shooting. There was no help. We expected the government to protect us, but we were left alone. Our community youth fought back as best they could. The attackers didn’t leave until around 2 a.m.”

The massacre has reignited calls for greater security intervention in Benue, a state that has repeatedly suffered deadly attacks linked to armed herdsmen. Human rights groups and residents are urging the federal government and security agencies to act decisively and end the cycle of violence and impunity.