Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has confirmed the killing of 59 people in Yelewata, a border community between Benue and Nasarawa states, following an attack by suspected herdsmen.
Speaking to journalists at the Government House on Sunday, Alia said the death toll was determined through a headcount conducted by security operatives in collaboration with families of the victims.
Among the dead were military and civil defence personnel who lost their lives defending the community from the attackers.
The Benue State governor disclosed that the suspected herdsmen came into the state from Nasarawa State.
Governor Alia acknowledged the assistance of his Nasarawa State counterpart, Abdullahi Sule, who he said shared intelligence regarding the invasion.
He also confirmed that one woman was killed on the Nasarawa side during the attack.
The governor disclosed the casualty figures while receiving a report from the panel of inquiry on militia activities in the Sankera axis, adding that the government would forward the report to relevant authorities and investigate individuals mentioned to help restore peace in the region.
Pope Leo XIV Condemns Killings, Prays for Benue
Reacting to the killings, Pope Leo XIV condemned the incident as a “terrible massacre”, stating that most of the victims were displaced civilians murdered with “extreme cruelty.”
Delivering his remarks before the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the Pope expressed deep concern over the unending violence in Nigeria and offered special prayers for “security, justice, and peace” to return.
“We pray especially for the rural Christian communities of Benue, who have been relentless victims of violence,” the pontiff said.
Protests Erupt in Makurdi
Meanwhile, angry youths took to the streets of Makurdi on Sunday to protest the massacre.
The demonstrators, who converged on the Wurukum food basket roundabout as early as 8 a.m., demanded immediate action from the government.
They were later joined by controversial social media influencer Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who has been vocal about security issues across Nigeria.
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