This was confirmed Tuesday by James Iorpuu, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), who described the June 13 assault as “massive carnage.”
Speaking at a joint press conference in Makurdi with his counterparts from Nasarawa and Plateau states, Iorpuu – who also serves as the Permanent Secretary of the Benue Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management – expressed deep concern over the recurring violence in rural parts of the state.
“The level of destruction in Yelwata is tragic,” he said. “So far, 107 victims are still undergoing treatment at Benue State University Teaching Hospital and other medical centres. That attack alone claimed over 200 lives.”
Flanked by emergency officials from neighbouring states, Iorpuu called for a united regional effort to address insecurity. “We are going to work together as a team,” he said, “especially because these attackers often pass through Nasarawa State to reach us in Benue.”
