26 Attacks, 1,534 Deaths: Timeline of Assaults in Benue since 2013
Reports highlight atrocities committed against the civilian population, including the tragic plight of the already displaced from areas such as Antsa, Dooka, Kadarko, Udei, and Giza who sought refuge in Yelewata, only to become victims of brutal attacks
Benue State has endured continual violence, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread displacement over the years. The recent tragic incidents in the Yelewata and Daudu communities, located in the Guma Local Government Area, exemplify this ongoing assaults in Benue, with numerous lives claimed and families rendered homeless.
Reports highlight atrocities committed against the civilian population, including the tragic plight of the already displaced from areas such as Antsa, Dooka, Kadarko, Udei, and Giza who sought refuge in Yelewata, only to become victims of brutal attacks. According to a report from the Daily Post, at least 107 individuals have been killed, and approximately 26 others are hospitalised.
Survivors such as Tsegba Gbam Ayua and Prince Aondona Isaka Ornguga have shared their harrowing experiences. Ayua lost his entire family of five, including his wife, during an attack while he was away seeking employment. In an emotionally charged statement, he recounted, “I had been displaced from Nasarawa State for over two years and was taking refuge with my family in Yelewata. A few days before the incident, I travelled back to Nasarawa to do menial jobs so I could support my family. I rushed back early Saturday morning, only to find the worst nightmare of my life. My wife and four children had been burned to ashes inside the market stalls where they were sleeping.” Meanwhile, Ornguga, a former Senior Special Assistant to the previous Governor, Samuel Ortom, tragically lost 23 family members in the attack.
Numerous reports from various sources resonate with similar tales of horror, highlighting the repetitive nature of such violence in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State.
Since 2013, the region has experienced recurrent bloodshed attributed to terrorist entities, leading to the displacement of a considerable number of communities. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) recently reported that approximately 1,245,000 individuals were displaced last year, primarily due to armed conflict, with Benue State housing nearly one-third of these displaced persons.
The motivations behind these persistent attacks remain mostly unverified; however, many residents attribute the violence to Fulani herdsmen. PIJAlance recalls the escalation of killings since 2013, marking the beginning of an enduring cycle of violence.
Eternal Sin — Timeline of Deadly Suspected Herders’ Assaults in Benue
Guma and Agatu are Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State, Nigeria, renowned for their agricultural activities. With their fertile soils, the state has earned the nickname “Food Basket of Nigeria,” a title that likely originated from the agricultural richness of Guma and Agatu.
Despite their abundant agricultural produce—such as yam, rice, beans, cassava, maize, soybeans, sorghum, millet, beniseed, and melon—these areas face significant challenges. Unfortunately, the very richness of their land has made them vulnerable to herders’ conflict since they also seek greener pastures for their herds. Both Guma and Agatu have experienced ongoing issues related to clashes between farmers and herders, as well as attacks from armed groups, suspected to be herders.
Clashes and killings have been going on for years. While the causes of the attacks are unknown, community members believe it is a case of land-grabbing with herders complicit. But before these, Benue had enjoyed long years of peace until 2013.
The year 2013 marked a significant turning point for the State, as it heralded the commencement of extensive turmoil, resulting in destruction and loss of life. Reports indicate that at least nine attacks occurred that year, claiming over 190 lives, positioning it as one of the most violent periods in Nigeria’s recent history. But that was just the beginning.
In 2014, Benue witnessed 16 attacks with more than 230 fatalities, followed by approximately 300 deaths in early 2015.
Between February and March 2016, Agatu Local Government, which still faces terrorist incursions, experienced severe assaults, with fatalities ranging from 300 to 500 and 7,000 individuals displaced. Further incidents in subsequent years include a March 2018 attack in Omusu, Edumoga, resulting in 26 deaths, and a June 2021 assault in Odugbeho, Agatu LGA, during which over 40 individuals were reportedly killed.
The ongoing violence has prompted calls for self-defence from former Governor Ortom amid criticisms regarding the government’s response to these attacks. In recent months, particularly from May to June 2025, assaults have intensified, including a notable incident where 42 individuals were killed across four communities on May 27. Additionally, between May 31 and June 1, 86 fatalities were reported in Gwer West, another LGA.
Following a petition to the president for a military emergency declaration, attacks persisted, culminating in a simultaneous strike on June 3, 2025, resulting in at least 20 killings, although local sources claim that the true number may exceed 30. The most devastating event occurred on June 13–14, 2025, in Yelewata, where reports indicated the loss of over 200 lives, primarily among Tiv farmers.
These grim statistics and narratives reflect the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the persistent violence and insecurity within Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Enoch Oyedibu
Brazen Investigative Journalist with a knack for tracking the grassroots impacts of government procurement, amplifying marginalised stories and contributing to community development. Data | Multimedia | Stories.