By Deborah Nnamdi
No fewer than 107 bodies have been recovered after a deadly pre-dawn attack by suspected armed herdsmen on the Yelewata community in Benue State.
The assault reportedly took place in the early hours of Saturday, when gunmen invaded the peaceful community, killing numerous residents and leaving many others injured.
By Saturday afternoon, local sources confirmed that over 100 bodies had been retrieved from the community.
Among the dead were women, children, the elderly, and some security personnel.
Some of the victims were burnt beyond recognition, as eyewitnesses described scenes of horror.
Many residents could be seen combing through the debris in search of missing loved ones.
A local resident, Gberindyer Vanen, wrote in distress: “I just drove past Yelewata now. Human beings are still burning inside their homes. You can perceive the smell of roasted human flesh.”
Another resident of the community, Elder Zege Orkwande, also took to social media to share the grim update.
He wrote, “So far, 107 bodies found while the search is still in progress. Pray for Yelewata, pray for Benue State. Our leaders’ failures in insecurity is obvious.”
The Benue State Police Command acknowledged the incident in an official statement but refrained from revealing the confirmed number of casualties.
As of the time this report was filed, the Benue State Government had not released any statement concerning the attack.
Reacting to the tragedy, Engineer Thaddeus Orkpe, a House of Representatives aspirant for the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, conveyed his profound grief and solidarity with those affected.
In his condolence message, Engr. Orkpe stated:
“I am profoundly heartbroken by the senseless and barbaric attack that took the lives of innocent people in Yelewata. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved families and the entire community in this time of deep sorrow.
“This heinous act of violence is utterly condemnable and serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to reinforce security and uphold justice for all.”
