By Victor Johnson
Makurdi, Nigeria – June 16, 2025
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has confirmed that 59 people, including several security personnel, were killed in a deadly attack on Yelewata, a border community between Benue and Nasarawa States.
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi on Sunday, Governor Alia clarified that the figure followed a joint headcount conducted by security agencies and families of the victims, countering earlier media reports that had suggested a lower death toll.
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Among the victims were soldiers and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who reportedly died while defending the community from what the governor described as a “well-planned and brutal assault” by suspected armed herdsmen.
“This was not a random attack. It was calculated and devastating,” Alia said. “Based on coordinated efforts by security operatives and bereaved families, we can now confirm that 59 individuals were killed, including our brave security officers. One woman also lost her life on the Nasarawa side during the invasion.”
The governor stated that the attackers crossed into Yelewata from Nasarawa State, unleashing violence that resulted in significant loss of life and destruction of property.
He expressed appreciation to Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for prompt intelligence sharing, which he said helped contain the aftermath of the tragedy.
Governor Alia made the remarks shortly after receiving a report from a panel of inquiry set up to investigate militia activities in the Sankera axis of the state. He described the report as critical to Benue’s ongoing security strategy.
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“We are determined to restore peace to every corner of Benue,” he stated. “The findings of this panel will guide our next steps, and those responsible for destabilizing our communities will be held accountable. The era of impunity is over.”
He assured residents that the panel’s recommendations would be submitted to security and intelligence agencies, with the goal of bringing the perpetrators to justice.
