Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s food basket, has endured some of the most brutal gun attacks in the country’s recent history.

In the last few years—particularly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration—the state has remained a hotspot of violent clashes, mostly attributed to suspected herdsmen, bandits, and militia groups.

These attacks, frequently targeting farming communities, have left hundreds dead, villages razed, and thousands displaced. Despite repeated promises from federal and state authorities, peace remains elusive for many rural dwellers caught in the crossfire.

This report compiles the five deadliest gunmen attacks in Benue State, highlighting the scale of destruction and human loss in each case.

1. The Yelewata and Daudu Massacre – (June 13–14, 2025)

The most horrifying episode yet under Tinubu’s presidency unfolded in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where suspected herdsmen carried out coordinated attacks on Yelewata and Daudu communities.

Witnesses and local officials reported that the assailants burned homes, trapping residents—including military and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers—inside. The casualty figures remain disputed.

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency confirmed at least 59 deaths, while Amnesty International and local residents claimed the death toll could be as high as 200.

The attackers allegedly came from Nasarawa State and struck in the dead of night, catching villagers unprepared.

President Tinubu, responding to public outrage, declared “enough is enough” and directed security agencies to respond with decisive action. He also charged Governor Hyacinth Alia to initiate a reconciliation process and bring peace to the area.

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

2. Gwer West Attack – (May 25, 2025)

Just weeks before the Yelewata killings, Aondona village in Gwer West LGA witnessed another deadly raid.

Gunmen believed to be herdsmen attacked the community, killing at least 20 people and injuring many more.

Local residents said the attackers moved with precision, setting fire to homes and opening fire on those trying to flee.

The assault further heightened tensions across Benue, with many criticising the federal government for failing to respond effectively to earlier warnings.

3. Makurdi Killings – (June 12, 2025)

Barely 48 hours before the Yelewata massacre, another bloody episode unfolded in the Makurdi Local Government Area.

Gunmen stormed the communities of Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa, killing about 25 residents.

The back-to-back attacks—first in Makurdi and then in Guma—sent shockwaves across the state and reinforced fears that Benue was under siege.

4. 2022 Guma Attacks – (April 11–12, 2022)

Although this incident predates President Tinubu’s administration, it remains a critical reference point for understanding the ongoing crisis in Benue.

In April 2022, heavily armed herdsmen raided Semaka, Tyotugh, and Gaambetiev villages, all within Guma LGA, killing at least 25 people and injuring many others.

The attack led to renewed calls for the establishment of state police and exposed the vulnerability of rural communities across the Middle Belt.

5. Odugbeho Massacre – (June 7, 2021)

Another major attack, although it occurred before the Tinubu era, took place in Odugbeho village, Agatu Local Government Area.

On the night of June 7, 2021, suspected Fulani herdsmen invaded the community and killed more than 40 residents.

The Odugbeho massacre highlighted the recurring and cyclical nature of communal violence in Benue, with Agatu often serving as a flashpoint.

The community has since remained vulnerable despite military deployments and intermittent peace efforts.

It has been confirmed that the human remains found in a bush belong to Sibongile Hadebe, a 35-year-old woman who went missing in May, 2025 in Mamelodi East, Tshwane, South Africa.  The charred skeletal remains were discovered in Eldorado Park on Thursday, June 12, 2025.  Hadebe’s disappearance had been a concern for her loved ones.  The last person to see her was her boyfriend, who claimed she “just wanted air” before vanishing. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Hadebe’s death, and efforts are being made to locate her boyfriend for questioning.  The case has sparked widespread concern, and many are calling for justice to be served. As the investigation unfolds, the community is left shaken and grieving.  Hadebe’s family and friends are demanding answers and seeking justice for her tragic d3ath. The police urge anyone with information about Hadebe’s disappearance or m8rder to come forward and assist with the investigation.   The post Burned skeletal remains found in bush identified as missing South African woman last seen with her boyfriend appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, has outlined a series of ambitious reforms and initiatives aimed at repositioning the Ministry of Youth Development and empowering Nigerian youth. 

In an exclusive interview with Pulse Nigeria‘s senior correspondent, Segun Adeyemi, Minister Olawande shed light on the challenges and strategic pivots undertaken since his elevation to the ministerial role seven months ago, following a prior stint as Minister of State within the same ministry.

The Minister emphasised the distinct focus of the newly separated Ministry of Youth Development, which historically had been overshadowed by sports. 

“A lot of people will believe that the Ministry of Youth Development is ‘how many people have you created a job for?’ But again, the Ministry of Youth Development cannot create jobs; it’s not Labour,” Olawande clarified, stressing that the ministry’s role is to foster an environment for youth to thrive. 

His initial months have been dedicated to a rigorous process of “thinking and strategising” to properly define the ministry’s mandate and capabilities, acknowledging that the full impact of these reforms might extend beyond his tenure.

National Youth Confab: A Grassroots-Driven Dialogue

A key initiative on the Minister’s agenda is the upcoming National Youth Confab, which he clarified is a “conference,” not a “congress.”

This confab, which predates any recent protests, was conceived as a strategic move to engage Nigerian youth at the grassroots level.

Unlike previous top-down approaches, the current administration, under President Tinubu’s directive, aims for a “down-top” engagement.

Minister Olawande revealed a meticulous planning process, emphasising consultation over a “fire brigade approach.”

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

Consultations across more than 28 states highlighted significant regional disparities in the needs of young people, leading to a decentralised confab structure.

The first two weeks will focus on grassroots and zonal engagements, with subsequent weeks dedicated to consolidating recommendations.

To ensure transparency and broad participation, a portal will soon be launched for open registration. The confab will prioritise representation, with 90% of delegates aged 18-35 and a 50% gender balance, including provisions for people living with disabilities.

Significantly, the Minister highlighted efforts to include “informal youth” – artisans, hawkers, and the like – who constitute a significant, often-overlooked segment of the youth population.

The thematic areas for discussion at the confab are comprehensive, covering:

• Governance and Political Participation.

• Economic Transformation, Entrepreneurship, and Job Creation.

• Education and 21st-Century Skills for the Future.

• Technology and Innovation.

• Climate and Energy Transitions.

• Social Cohesion and Security

Crucially, the confab’s outcomes will lead to “administrative actions” (including presidential directives and policy reviews), “constitutional reforms” (proposals for amendments to the National Assembly), and “legislative actions” (a review of existing laws).

To ensure accountability and implementation, a multi-stakeholder youth confab task force and an “impact index” will be used to track progress.

NYSC Reforms: Shifting Focus from Job Seeking to Entrepreneurship

Addressing concerns about the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Minister Olawande affirmed ongoing reforms. He reiterated a ministerial directive, signed on October 24, 2024, to post corps members to their areas of study, a departure from previous practices.

Regarding accommodation challenges, particularly in urban centers like Abuja, the Minister acknowledged the issue but steered away from direct government-funded lodge construction.

Instead, he highlighted existing collaborative efforts, including those with the Ministry of Digital Economy to provide fiber optic internet in federal universities, and a broader strategy of fostering “youth desks” in all ministries with youth-centric initiatives.

The overarching aim of NYSC reform, according to Olawande, is to transform corps members into “employers, not job seekers.” 

He stressed the importance of embedding entrepreneurship into the NYSC experience, citing existing partnerships with organisations like NASENI and the Bank of Industry (BOI). 

He revealed plans for a “National Youth Development Bank,” currently in the pipeline, as a strategic long-term initiative to provide financial support for youth-led ventures, distinguishing it from past, ill-structured schemes.

Building a Legacy of Empowerment and the “Voice of the Youth”

When asked about his desired legacy, Minister Olawande expressed his aspiration to be remembered as “the voice of the youth” and for a “planned legacy” that empowers young people beyond mere “tokenism.” 

He emphasised the need for his actions to pave the way for greater youth participation in leadership, including the presidency. 

His vision centers on human capital development, ensuring that young Nigerians are equipped to be impact creators and employers, rather than perpetually seeking government employment.