In the wake of the devastating attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, survivor and local resident Michael Ajah has shared a harrowing account of personal tragedy that has shaken the nation’s conscience.
“I lost 20 family members in one day,” Ajah said, his voice heavy with grief. “Eleven in this house, and eight in the other. All gone.”
The coordinated assault, which occurred on June 14, 2025, left over 200 people dead, including women, children, and the elderly. Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as armed assailants stormed the community in the early hours, setting homes ablaze and opening fire on unarmed civilians. Many victims were burned beyond recognition, and dozens remain missing.
Ajah’s story is one of many emerging from the ashes of Yelewata, where entire families were wiped out in minutes. His testimony has become a symbol of the profound human cost of the violence that continues to plague Benue State.
National and regional leaders, including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Arewa Consultative Forum, have condemned the killings in the strongest terms, calling for urgent security reforms and humanitarian support. Civil society groups and religious leaders have also demanded accountability and a renewed commitment to peace.