Amnesty International has reported a devastating attack in Yelewata, a village in the Guma region of Benue State, Nigeria, where at least 100 people were killed by gunmen between Friday night and Saturday morning. The assailants reportedly set homes ablaze, trapping and burning families alive. The attack has left dozens missing and hundreds injured, with survivors lacking adequate medical care. The Benue State police have confirmed the incident but have not released official casualty figures. While the perpetrators remain unidentified, such violence is often linked to longstanding conflicts between local farmers and nomadic herders over land and water resources .
This tragic event is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in Benue State. Between January 2023 and February 2024, over 2,600 people, predominantly women and children, were killed in more than 135 attacks across 50 rural communities. Eighteen of the state’s 23 local government areas have been affected by these security threats. The violence has led to the displacement of thousands, with many losing access to their livelihoods and education due to the destruction of farms and schools .
Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to take immediate and effective action to protect civilians, ensure accountability for the perpetrators, and address the underlying issues fueling the violence. The organization emphasizes the need for impartial investigations and urges the authorities to uphold their responsibility to safeguard human rights and the rule of law .
The international community, including human rights organizations and diplomatic entities, continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for increased support and intervention to prevent further loss of life and to promote lasting peace in the region.
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