2 soldiers, civil defence officer killed in Benue community

Suspected armed herdsmen launched a deadly assault on Yelewata, a community in Benue State, late Friday night, leaving at least three security operatives dead and injuring more than a dozen others.

The attack, which began around 10 p.m., sparked chaos as gunmen reportedly opened fire on residents, forcing many to flee or take cover.

By early Saturday morning, reports confirmed that 16 individuals had suffered varying degrees of injuries. Responding to distress calls from the community, personnel from the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were dispatched to the area.

Tragically, the reinforcement team was ambushed near Daudu en route to the scene. The ambush claimed the lives of two soldiers and one NSCDC officer.

“These brave men paid the ultimate price in service to our people. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” a community source told Daily Post, mourning the loss.

Those wounded during the attack are being treated at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi, where an urgent appeal has been made for blood donations to help save lives.

Citizens and humanitarian groups are being urged to support the victims through medical aid and critical blood supplies.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, especially our fallen heroes in uniform,” said a concerned resident, who explained their decision not to share graphic images from the scene in order to respect the victims and uphold community values.

Authorities have yet to release a definitive casualty figure, noting that investigations and recovery efforts are still underway.