This day (June 15 2026), the usually sleepy settlement known as Yelwata, located some twenty kilometers on the northern exit of Makurdi the Benue state capital, wore an even more melancholic atmosphere. The people of the area were obviously still under the hangover of the commemoration two days prior, of a most painful episode in their lives. Yelwata is the rural community in Guma local government of Benue State where on June 13 2025, more than two hundred rural farmers, including women, children and the infirm, were brutally murdered in their sleep in well coordinated attacks by suspected Fulani mercenaries. This reporter observed while driving around the mostly deserted town the brave efforts at resettlement but such efforts but could not help noticing that such efforts were few and pitifully inadequate. Life in this rural community may never be the same again. June 13 2026 marked the first year of the tragedy. That day, the entire world commemorated the sad event with Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi Diocese receiving visitors while a civil rights activist Franc Utoo coordinated events. A monument bearing names of the 247 victims was commissioned in memory of the massacre. Three prominent governorship aspirants from Benue State also participated in the commemorative event. One of them Prof. Sebastine Hon of the SDP, had, in a solemn speech, recalled the events of that fateful day, stating, "Today, we bow our heads in deep sympathy. We remember the lives cut short, the mass graves that scarred our land, and the families left to pick up the pieces of their broken lives. As we mourn, we must also confront the bitter truth: the blood of our people continues to cry out because those sworn to protect them have failed." Echoing Hon, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, also a SAN and also aspirant on the ticket of the PDP questioned what Benue's Governor Hyacinth Alia has been doing with the huge amounts that accrued to the state. "Where is this money going? It is certainly not being used to secure Benue", he asserted. Aondoakaa accused the Alia administration of starving the state's security apparatus. "While the Governor draws billions in cash, his own security aides and local vigilantes lack basic logistics, communication tools, and operational support needed to intercept attackers." Aondoakaa further accused the Governor of insensitivity and complete inaccessibility. "When security matters arise, top advisors and security chiefs wait for months just to get audience with the Governor", he said, and vowed that "Never again should a tragedy like the Yelwata massacre happen." Engr. Benjamin Akaakar, aspirant on the platform of the NDC in a condolence message, said, "To everyone who stood with Yelewata through presence, prayer, or support may the Almighty bless you. We gather not to be defined by tragedy, but to renew our commitment to peace, security, and justice for all communities.” He expressed gratitude to Bishop Anagbe and the clergy for their pastoral leadership as well as sponsors of the event, singling out Utoo for his role as facilitator of both the memorial and the monument project. The anniversary featured laying of wreaths and renewed commitment by the community to maintain the monument, archive survivor testimonies, and sustain advocacy for stronger protection of vulnerable border towns in Benue. Underlying the sad memories are reports that efforts of a philanthropist to contribute to rebuilding the settlement were rejeced by the Benue State Government. The American missionary Alex Barber was said to have contributed millions of dollars to help rebuild Yelwata in the aftermath of last year's tragic. However, this publication gathered that the funds were diverted and as such remain unaccounted for. The outspoken missionary spoke out about the development as well as what he claimed were deliberately planned campaigns to exterminate Christians in Nigeria's middle belt, eventually attracting the ire of the nation's security agencies. He was subsequently expelled from Nigeria. Similarly, Bishop Anagbe, who has for long been vociferous about the deliberate Genocide against Christians in mid belt Nigeria, has come under heavy criticism from government sponsored social media activists for openly admitting in the United States that what was happening in Nigeria was indeed Genocide, contrary to denials by Governor Alia.

Posted: 4months ago

Author: Chief Editor

Current date: 18 October 2026