The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has released its situation report on the recent gunmen attacks in Benue State.
The Agency tasked with the mission to manage disasters in Nigeria said, “casualty figures remain inconsistent due to the volatile security situation and limited access to affected areas”, however, added, “preliminary reports estimate the death toll to be over 100 persons”.
The most recent “wanton killings” in the North Central State happened in the early hours of Saturday at Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area (LGA).
NEMA disclosed, “3,000 individuals, including many women and children, have been displaced”, adding, its “displacement figures stood at 1,069 households, comprising 6,527 individuals. Among them are 1,768 females, 759 males, 657 children under 18, 1,870 adults above 18, 252 lactating mothers, 82 pregnant women, and 91 elderly persons”.
After receiving the sad news of the attacks in Benue State, President Bola Tinubu, directed security operatives to move in, arrest the perpetrators and prosecute them.
He charged Security Chiefs to ensure the restoration of peace and security in Benue State, as well as, urged Executive Governor of the State, Hyacinth Alia, to convene reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the incessant bloodshed and bring lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between farmers, herders, and communities.
Via its official X account, In its Situation Report on the gunmen attacks in Benue State, released on Monday 16 June, 2025, NEMA disclosed: “multiple coordinated attacks by unidentified gunmen have targeted various communities across Benue State. The most recent incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area.
“Casualty figures remain inconsistent due to the volatile security situation and limited access to affected areas. Preliminary reports estimate the death toll to be over 100 persons. Ongoing rescue and recovery operations are expected to provide more accurate figures.
“Following a distress alert, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to the scene. Tragically, two soldiers and one NSCDC officer lost their lives in an ambush while responding to the incident in Daudu.
“Dozens sustained injuries, with 46 individuals rushed to hospitals. Sadly, 20 later succumbed to their injuries at the Hospital. Medical teams have called for urgent blood donations to support critical care efforts.
“The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the attack and reported that some of the assailants were neutralized during exchange of gunfire.
“Meanwhile, efforts to support displaced populations are underway. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), UNHR @Refugees @nrcs_ng Nigerian RedCross, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) @IOM_Nigeria are coordinating relief activities at a newly established Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the Makurdi International Market.
“Over 3,000 individuals, including many women and children, have been displaced and are in urgent need of food, non-food items (NFIs), potable water, and essential medical supplies.
“As of last night, displacement figures stood at 1,069 households, comprising 6,527 individuals. Among them are 1,768 females, 759 males, 657 children under 18, 1,870 adults above 18, 252 lactating mothers, 82 pregnant women, and 91 elderly persons.
“Urgent humanitarian support is being mobilized and delivered to alleviate the hardship of the displaced persons.”
