Yeletawa Has Been UndernHersdmen Siege for 15 Years

The Yeletawa community in Benue State has been plagued by relentless attacks from armed herders for over 15 years, resulting in a cycle of violence, killings, and mass displacement.

The latest assault, which occurred under the cover of darkness and heavy rain, has plunged the community into new depths of horror, with survivors describing homes set ablaze, people burned alive, and entire families wiped out.

According to reports, the attacks began as far back as 2011, initially targeting farmlands, but have since escalated into brutal killings and widespread displacement.

Community leader, Solomon Ugbir expressed frustration that despite efforts to coexist peacefully with herders, the violence has only intensified over the years.

The Ter Ukum, His Royal Highness Iyorkyaa Kaave, has condemned the attacks, describing them as unprovoked and deliberate acts of aggression by marauding herders.

He suggested that the attacks might be part of a larger plan to displace local farmers and seize their land. The monarch also contrasted the current wave of violence with the peaceful coexistence that once existed between local communities and Fulani herders in the past.

The Catholic Church has also weighed in on the issue, with Rev. Fr Joseph Beba, Chairman of the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association, Makurdi Diocese, revealing that over 15 parishes have been shut down due to repeated attacks on host communities by suspected armed herders.

He criticized the Nigerian military for what he described as a lack of response, even when attacks occurred close to their checkpoints.

The Benue State Government has responded to the crisis, with Governor Hyacinth Alia commencing efforts to restore peace and security in the state. The governor’s administration has also provided humanitarian assistance to victims of the attacks.

However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the conflict and provide lasting solutions to the affected communities.