On a fateful night this past weekend, gunmen descended on Yelewata and surrounding communities in Guma LGA, Benue State, killing at least 100 villagers and burning homes and food stores to ashes. Men, women, and children—some even seeking refuge at the market were caught in a rampage that left families broken, corpses uncounted, and mothers in despair as they wailed over the losses.
Eyewitnesses describe the brutality: “They shot indiscriminately… entire families burned alive in their homes,” recalled one survivor . In a quieter corner of Gwer West, similar horror unfolded—gunmen killed at least 20 people in Aondona, including children, and a dedicated police officer sacrificed his life trying to protect them.
Why This Matters to You—And to Us
At NauNauSOS, we stand with Benue families in sorrow and solidarity. These aren’t distant stories—they’re heartbreaking reminders that safety doesn’t just mean drilling doors. It’s a fragile equilibrium.
For people traveling to markets at night, working late, or living near conflict zones, a split-second decision can mean survival or tragedy. When gunmen struck Yelewata after dark, it wasn’t just homes they destroyed—it was a year of planting, harvesting, praying, daring, and dreaming.
This violence is part of a larger pattern: recent attacks across Benue in Tyolaha, Tse‑Ubiam, Ahume, and Aondona left dozens dead—some villages massacred, schools disrupted, irrigation systems destroyed, and food security severely threatened.
What You Can Do—For Yourself and Your Neighbors
- Stay Alert, Stay Connected
Make sure your smartphone has a personal safety app installed—like NauNauSOS. Share your real-time location with trusted contacts when traveling at night or moving through rural or conflict-prone areas. - Join or Support Local Safety Networks
If you’re in Benue or similar regions, consider connecting with community policing or vetted neighborhood watch groups—it saved lives during past crises . But technology amplifies their impact. - Heed Curfews and Evacuation Orders
Recent curfews in Ukum and Gwer West LGA were declared to protect residents from escalating violence. Always respect official advisories, and sign in with loved ones before and after tonight’s journey. - Monitor Local Developments
Security situations evolve daily in Benue—stay informed via trusted sources like Premium Times or AP News. - Reach Out for Help
If you ever sense danger whether it’s the rumble of herder crowds or suspicious sounds near your home—use your app alert function. You don’t have to wait until the worst happens. Sharing your position gives someone a chance to intervene or notify help immediately.
To every grieving mother, widow, and child in Benue—we hear you. Not in the distant newsroom or from the comfort of a car. But in the record of this moment, we stand with you. Your suffering demands attention—your lives matter.
If you’re in an area with heightened tensions—whether in Makurdi, Gwer West, Katsina‑Ala, Ukum, or anywhere across North‑Central Nigeria—please take precautions. Share your movement, travel during daylight where possible, and equip yourself with tools that prioritize your safety.
Because no one should live in fear—especially not when help is a tap away.