A survivor of the Yelwata attack in Benue State, Msurshima Apeh, has given a deeply emotional testimony before the United States Congress, explaining how she lost her five children during the tragic incident.
Apeh addressed the House Subcommittee on Africa virtually on Thursday as lawmakers reviewed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to return Nigeria to the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list.
She explained that armed attackers stormed a camp where hundreds of already displaced people were staying.
According to her testimony, the attackers entered the facility at night and began assaulting the occupants, leaving many dead and others severely injured. She explained that the building was later set on fire, worsening the already devastating situation.
Apeh said she was able to escape by climbing a tree, but her children, who were below her, were killed during the attack.
She added that she later fled into the bush before rescue teams eventually found her and moved survivors to another camp for safety.
The Yelwata attack occurred in June 2025 in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Early reports indicated that between 100 and 200 people may have died, while more than 3,000 survivors were displaced. Many were later relocated to camps in neighbouring Nasarawa State.
Civil groups disputed initial government figures, insisting the casualty count may have reached 200. Security agencies linked the assault to suspected armed herdsmen.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage. President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack, visited survivors receiving medical care in Makurdi, and directed security agencies to take action.
Emergency responders later raised concerns that displaced families were struggling with food shortages, limited healthcare, and inadequate shelter. Police authorities eventually reported that 26 suspects connected to the attack had been arrested.
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