A survivor of the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, Msurshima Apeh, has emotionally recounted how she was forced to watch her five children being killed during the attack.
Apeh gave her testimony virtually on Thursday before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa, which was reviewing former President Donald Trump’s decision to return Nigeria to the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list.
She explained that armed attackers invaded a camp already housing hundreds of displaced families. According to her, the attack began around 9 pm when Fulani terrorists stormed the camp, locked the victims inside, and began slaughtering people with cutlasses while also shooting.
She said the attackers later poured petrol on the building and set many people ablaze.
Apeh recounted how she escaped by climbing a tree, watching helplessly as her five children cried and were murdered beneath her. She eventually fled into the bush before rescue teams found her and took her to safety.
The Yelwata attack happened in June 2025 in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Initial reports estimated between 100 and 200 deaths, with over 3,000 survivors displaced and many relocated to camps in Nasarawa State. Civil groups claimed the death toll could be as high as 200.
Security agencies linked the coordinated attack to suspected armed herdsmen. The tragedy sparked national outrage, prompting President Bola Tinubu to condemn the killings and visit survivors in Makurdi. He also directed security agencies to take action.
Emergency response officials later reported severe shortages of food, medical care, and basic supplies among displaced families. Police authorities later announced the arrest of 26 suspects connected to the attack.
