Gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen have reportedly launched another attack on the Yelwata community in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving two residents injured in the latest wave of violence.
PrimeTimes Nigeria understands that the incident has heightened fears among residents who are still recovering from a previous deadly assault on the community.
Yelwata had earlier witnessed a devastating attack on June 13, 2025, when over 200 people were reportedly killed, forcing many survivors into Internally Displaced Persons camps.
The renewed violence has raised concerns about the safety of residents and the possibility of further displacement.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told journalists that the attackers invaded the area on Sunday afternoon alongside their cattle and confronted security operatives stationed in the community.
“The attack happened in the afternoon when the herders were openly grazing toward Yelewata town. Soldiers moved to intercept them, and when the herders realised they were about to be apprehended, they began running back,” Daily Post quoted the resident as saying.
He added that the situation escalated when security operatives attempted to stop the fleeing suspects.
“The soldiers fired warning shots into the air to stop them, but the herders opened fire while retreating. Two people were hit very close to my house,” he said.
The source explained that one of the victims, a woman, sustained a gunshot wound to the hand, while another resident was shot in the leg.
Both victims were reportedly evacuated by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency to Makurdi for further medical attention.
“They are still alive, and we are grateful for the quick response of BSEMA,” the source added.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the latest attack comes barely days after the state government distributed improved agricultural inputs to farmers in the area to boost food production during the planting season.
The community leader expressed concern that the renewed violence could disrupt farming activities and discourage residents from accessing their farmlands.
“Our people are worried that the renewed activities of armed herdsmen may prevent them from accessing their farms and utilising the provided inputs.
“We fear for our lives every day. How can we farm when armed men roam freely around our farms?” he lamented.