An overnight attack in the central Nigerian town of Yelwata has resulted in the deaths of at least 45 individuals, according to a spokesman for the state governor’s office. The attack, attributed to armed bandits, occurred in the early hours of Saturday and has raised fears among locals that the death toll may be significantly higher, with estimates suggesting as many as 100 people may have lost their lives.
Residents described the aftermath as devastating. Amineh Liapha Hir, a resident of Yelwata, conveyed the terrifying scope of the attack, stating, “It is terribly bad, many people have died. It could be more than 100, and many houses were also burnt.” Another local, Christian Msuega, who managed to escape the violence, lamented the loss of his sister and brother-in-law, who he claimed were burned alive during the assault. He, too, feared that the number of casualties could approach 100 and pointed to the Fulani herdsmen as those responsible for the attack.
The historical context of violence in the region is marked by ongoing clashes between Muslim Fulani herders and predominantly Christian settled farmers. These disputes often arise over access to land and resources, exacerbating long-standing ethnic and religious tensions.
Police spokesperson Udeme Edet confirmed the incident, stating that law enforcement engaged in an armed confrontation with the attackers. Furthermore, the governor’s office provided details indicating that the assault began around 10:00 PM local time and lasted approximately two hours. Kula confirmed that government officials, along with the police commissioner, visited the site to assess the damage and have validated the death toll of 45 individuals, while noting that several houses were set ablaze.
This incident contributes to a troubling trend in the region, part of Nigeria’s central belt, where violence fueled by ethnic and religious divides has escalated. Just two weeks prior, separate attacks in Benue state resulted in 25 fatalities, underscoring the ongoing security challenges faced by communities in the area.
