The United Nations (UN) has strongly condemned the recent attacks in Benue State, Nigeria, which resulted in the deaths of over 150 civilians.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the violence, urging that those responsible be swiftly apprehended and held accountable.
The UN remains actively engaged in monitoring the situation and supports efforts to ensure justice for the victims.
The attacks occurred over the weekend in the village of Yelewata, located in the Guma region of north-central Nigeria’s Benue State.
According to survivors, gunmen believed to be herders stormed the village on Friday night, opening fire on sleeping residents and setting homes ablaze.
Many victims had previously fled violence in other regions and were sheltering in a local market, which was also destroyed, along with a year’s worth of staple crops such as rice and yam.
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the “senseless bloodletting” and pledged decisive action. He is scheduled to visit the affected area on Wednesday to meet with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups, to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.
The president extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and all those who have suffered losses due to the crisis.
The violence underscores the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, which has been plagued by clashes and attacks in recent years.
Amnesty International Nigeria has called for authorities to ensure protection for civilians and accountability for those responsible.
The UN and Nigerian authorities continue to collaborate to address the underlying issues contributing to the violence and to support the affected communities in their recovery efforts.
