‘I Lost Five Children,’ Yelwata Attack Survivor Testifies Before U.S. Congress

A survivor of the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, Msurshima Apeh, has given a heartbreaking testimony before the United States House Subcommittee on Africa, recounting how she lost all five of her children during the June 2025 attack on her community.

Appearing virtually before the committee, Apeh described the night of the attack as one marked by terror and helplessness. She said armed men stormed the camp where displaced families were sleeping, attacking residents with guns and machetes before setting buildings ablaze.

According to her, the assailants locked several victims inside shelters and attacked others outside. She told lawmakers that she survived by climbing a tree while her children who were crying and calling out to her were killed below.

“I watched my five children being slaughtered,” she said, fighting back tears. “There was nothing I could do. I hid in a tree while they were killed in cold blood.”

The Yelwata attack, which occurred in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, left between 100 and 200 people dead, while more than 3,000 residents were displaced.

Survivors and local officials blamed the killings on suspected armed herdsmen who have repeatedly targeted communities in the region.

Apeh told the U.S. Congress that after escaping the attack, she fled into the bush before being rescued and relocated to another internally displaced persons camp.

Her testimony formed part of a broader congressional inquiry into ongoing violence in Nigeria and allegations of religious persecution. U.S. lawmakers are reviewing whether Nigeria should remain on the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list, which triggers possible sanctions and expanded monitoring.

The massacre has continued to draw national and international criticism, with renewed calls for accountability and improved security across Benue and other vulnerable parts of the North-Central region. Following the attack, top Nigerian security chiefs visited Yelwata and pledged stronger action to prevent further bloodshed.

Apeh’s appearance before Congress has intensified appeals for decisive measures to protect rural communities and deliver justice to victims of persistent attacks.