Benue: Suspected armed herdsmen kill 3 security personnel, injure 16 in fresh attack

A quiet night turned deadly in Yelewata, a community in Benue State, as suspected armed herdsmen launched a brutal attack late Friday, killing at least three security operatives and injuring more than a dozen others.

The assault, which began around 10 p.m., sent residents scrambling for safety as the gunmen reportedly opened fire indiscriminately. The sudden burst of violence threw the community into chaos, with many forced to flee their homes or hide in fear.

By early Saturday morning, authorities confirmed that 16 individuals had sustained various degrees of injuries. In response to emergency calls, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed personnel to the area.

However, tragedy struck again when the reinforcement team was ambushed near Daudu, a town along the route to Yelewata. The attackers reportedly laid in wait, killing two soldiers and one NSCDC officer in the process.

“These brave men paid the ultimate price in service to our people. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” a community source told Daily Post, mourning the loss.

Those wounded during the attack are being treated at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi, where an urgent appeal has been made for blood donations to help save lives.

Citizens and humanitarian groups are being urged to support the victims through medical aid and critical blood supplies.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, especially our fallen heroes in uniform,” said a concerned resident, who explained their decision not to share graphic images from the scene in order to respect the victims and uphold community values.

Authorities have yet to release a definitive casualty figure, noting that investigations and recovery efforts are still underway.