Gunmen stormed the village of Yelewata in Benue state late Friday night. The attack continued into the early hours of Saturday. As a result, over 100 people were killed.

According to Amnesty International Nigeria, many victims are still missing. Meanwhile, dozens of others are injured and have no access to medical help.

The group posted on X, “Many families were locked inside their bedrooms and burned.”

Rising violence triggers alarm

Moreover, Amnesty raised the alarm over the rising violence in the region. It stated that gunmen have carried out killings without fear of justice.

“These attacks have been causing massive displacement and may affect food security as majority of the victims are farmers,” the group added.

Land disputes fueling conflict

Benue state lies in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, between the Muslim North and Christian South. This area often sees deadly clashes between herders and farmers.

On one hand, herders look for grazing land. On the other hand, farmers defend their crops. Additionally, ethnic and religious tensions make the situation worse.

Violence has a long history

Previously, in May, suspected herders killed at least 42 people in Gwer West. Since 2019, such attacks have killed over 500 people.

Furthermore, about 2.2 million residents have been forced to flee, according to SBM Intelligence.