- Tragic Incident: Dozens killed in Yelwata, Benue State.
- Military Inaction: Accusations of military forces failing to intervene during the attack.
- Community Outcry: Residents express feelings of abandonment and demand accountability.
- Humanitarian Crisis: Over 17 IDP camps struggle to support displaced families.
- Government Response: Calls for urgent state and federal support and sustained intervention.
‘We Feel Abandoned’: The Yelwata Massacre
The brutal attack in Yelwata, a border town in Benue State, has left communities devastated and searching for answers. According to Gwaza Madaki, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, the violence occurred within sight of a military checkpoint, raising serious questions about the military’s role – or lack thereof – during the massacre.
A Checkpoint That Didn’t Check Anything?
Madaki expressed disbelief that such an attack could happen so close to a Nigerian Army formation. “There is a military check point that has been there for at least five years… it becomes difficult to understand how these attacks would go between 10-11pm midnight and last for hours all the way to the early morning without any intervention,” he stated.
Yelwata’s location is also crucial: it’s directly on the main road connecting Benue and Nasarawa states. It’s not some hidden village; it’s a community where life happens right by the roadside. Yet, the attackers were seemingly able to operate with impunity.
A History of Violence
This isn’t an isolated incident. Madaki noted that the same area has been plagued by repeated attacks, including a recent one in Daudu. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had previously ordered the Chief of Army Staff to relocate to Benue to address the ongoing crisis. However, Madaki claims that the army chief’s visit was largely symbolic, failing to engage with community leaders and address their concerns.
Even more alarmingly, Agom, the village attacked just weeks prior, is a mere 200 meters from the fence of the 72 Special Forces Battalion. The proximity of military forces to these attacks raises serious questions about response times and the effectiveness of security measures.
The Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The ongoing violence has fueled a massive humanitarian crisis. Benue State now hosts over 17 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, housing thousands of families displaced since 2016. These camps are often overcrowded and lack adequate resources, leaving vulnerable populations in dire need of assistance.
Churches Under Attack
Even places of refuge, like churches, have not been spared. The attack in Yelwata targeted even those who sought sanctuary in religious institutions, highlighting the pervasive insecurity and the desperation of the situation.
What’s Next? Calls for Action
Madaki emphasized the urgent need for both state and federal governments to step up their efforts. He called for increased support for IDP camps and sustained interventions to address the root causes of the violence. The situation demands a coordinated response to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further bloodshed.
Where is the government?
According to the United Nations, the ongoing attacks have led to one of the biggest displacement waves in the whole country. Therefore, the Nigerian government needs to act accordingly to prevent a genocide.
The people of Benue State feel abandoned, left to fend for themselves in the face of relentless violence. The time for decisive action is now.
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