Over 200 Person killed in Benue State by Fullali X-Men, Community Devastated
BENUE STATE, Nigeria – A horrific attack has left a community in Benue State in ruins, with initial reports indicating over 200 people confirmed dead, many burned beyond recognition. The coordinated assault, which survivors attribute to "herdsmen," began late yesterday evening, devastating homes, businesses, and lives.
A harrowing scene unfolded today as our correspondent toured the ravaged community, revealing widespread destruction and profound loss. "What my eyes have seen, my mouth can barely articulate," reported our correspondent, describing the still-smoldering remains of homes and the unimaginable sight of human remains.
Scenes of Devastation
Inside what were once homes, the scale of the atrocity is laid bare. Our correspondent identified multiple victims, including numerous children, reduced to ashes. "This is a child that was burned to ashes," he stated, pointing to skeletal remains. In one room alone, the bones of at least eight individuals were visible. Another room held the remains of three more victims.
The devastation extended beyond human life. Stores, particularly those holding food supplies, appear to have been targeted and set ablaze. One man, identified as the richest in the town, lost two brothers and his wife, along with an estimated ₦20 million worth of rice in his burnt store.
Eyewitness Account of the Attack
A survivor, visibly distraught, recounted the terrifying events of yesterday evening. The attack began around 10:45 PM. "We were indoors because it was raining," he explained. The assailants initially targeted the police station, engaging officers who "did their best." However, another group of attackers simultaneously infiltrated the community undetected.
"They started opening the door from one door to another," the survivor described. "They were with many weapons. They broke the door, and while entering into the room, they would pour fuel and then light fire."
The community was left defenseless. "We were hopeless," he stated, noting that security forces did not arrive until around 2:00 AM, long after the attackers had completed their rampage and departed. The community's youth were the only ones who attempted to stand up to the assailants.
Call for Government Intervention
The overwhelming sentiment among survivors and those visiting the scene is a desperate plea for government intervention. "It seems the government doesn't know what is happening, maybe because it is not in their faces yet," remarked our correspondent, lamenting a perceived lack of media attention compared to past incidents of this nature.
The scale of the loss is still being fully assessed. While 176 bodies have been recovered and buried, the true death toll is feared to be much higher, with many individuals still missing. The survivor emphasized, "If they give you an imaginary number now, it's just an assumption because we don't know actually. If we should tell you we lost 200 people, it's an assumption. For sure, it's more."
The community describes the event as a "genocide" and urges both the Nigerian government and the international community to acknowledge the severity of the crisis and provide immediate assistance.
