Trending 
Less than two months after over 200 people were killed in Yelewata, Benue State, the community has suffered another attack, as unidentified gunmen opened fire on farmers yesterday morning.
Residents recovered three bodies from the farmlands, identifying the victims as Mr Igyo Anya, Peter Shinku, and Yooga Udegi.
The attack triggered protests in the community. Women carrying fresh leaves blocked the Makurdi–Lafia highway, chanting dirges and demanding that soldiers withdraw from Yelewata to the barracks and allow locals to defend themselves.
A survivor, Tilenenge, said the assailants struck while they were working on their farms, firing sporadically. While some managed to escape, several others remain missing.
Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that Commissioner of Police Dr Emenari Innocent had visited Yelewata but said she had yet to receive an official briefing.
Director-General of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (rtd), also confirmed the attack, explaining that the chaotic situation made it difficult to provide further details. He joined the Commissioner in urging protesters to clear the highway.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, the military has neutralised more than 100 terrorists in a coordinated airstrike followed by a ground assault in Makakkari Forest, Bukuyum Local Government Area.
The operation, launched in the early hours of Sunday, destroyed the bandits’ stronghold, leaving dozens of motorcycles smouldering.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that intelligence operatives from Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) had monitored unusual movements for weeks across Sunke, Kirsa, and Barukushe — areas notorious for bandit activity.
According to him, over 400 armed fighters, led by some of the region’s most notorious kingpins, had been gathering in Makakkari Forest, allegedly preparing to attack Nasarawan Burkullu, a farming community in Bukuyum.
