Yelewata community still grappling with fear and poverty one year after massacre
via Punch Nigeria7 min read
One year after the June 13, 2025 massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, the community continues to face fear, poverty, and painful memories. The attack, which occurred along the Lafia-Makurdi Federal Highway in Guma Local Government Area, resulted in 272 deaths, including 67 children, 83 women, and 122 men. A memorial monument, funded by Equipping The Persecuted, was unveiled to honor the victims. Saaondo, a survivor who was away during the attack, expressed his grief at the memorial, stating he would have been among the dead if he had been present. Community leader Matthew Mnyan highlighted the ongoing struggles of survivors, noting increased poverty and persistent insecurity, which prevents residents from accessing their farms. He cited an alleged sexual assault of a young girl while fetching firewood as an example of continued vulnerability. Mnyan criticized the Technical Committee on Donations for Internally Displaced Persons, led by Secretary to the Benue State Government Deborah Aber, for allegedly mismanaging funds, including a N1 billion donation from First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. He claimed that the community's suggestions for utilizing the funds for resettlement and economic recovery were not followed, and that some beneficiaries were not genuinely affected by the attack. Mnyan also raised concerns about the quality of housing projects for displaced persons and urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to visit the community. Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro criticized the Federal Gove
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