Women Protest over Slaying of 3 Women in New Yelwata Assault by Suspected Herdsmen
On Monday, individuals suspected to be herdsmen fatally shot three people as they laboured on their farm in the Yelwata region of Benue State.
Three others remain in critical condition, suffering from gunshot wounds inflicted during the attack.
News of the early morning assault reached the Yelwata community, inciting a protest by local women who decried the military’s failure to respond promptly, leaving the police and local youths to mobilize and repel the herdsmen.
In a telephone conversation with Channels Television, Matthew Mnyam, a former government official, confirmed the incident. He recounted that efforts by himself and numerous leaders to convince the women to vacate the federal highway linking Benue and Nasarawa states were rebuffed, as the women demanded the withdrawal of soldiers from their communities, accusing them of failing to provide protection.
He stated, “This morning, three individuals were slain by Fulani herdsmen, while three others were found with severe gunshot wounds, leaving them in critical condition as we speak.
“This incited a protest by women from the Yelwata community, decrying the renewed violence.
“The commissioner of police is currently present, attempting to address the situation, while I have communicated with the Secretary of Guma Local Government Area (LGA) to urge the chairman’s intervention.”
When contacted, Guma LGA leader Maurice Orwough confirmed the incident and the protest in Yelwata, appealing to all individuals of goodwill to strive for peace.
In June, numerous residents in the Yelwata area of Benue were killed, and over 3,000 individuals were displaced during an overnight assault by suspected herdsmen.
Although the government reported 59 fatalities, civil rights groups claimed approximately 200 deaths.
The killings in Benue have incited national outrage and drawn global attention, including condemnation from Pope Leo XIV, who denounced the “terrible massacre” and called for its cessation.
