Benue State women on Monday staged a protest, blocking the busy Makurdi to Lafia road in rejection of the inability of military men to rebuff fresh attacks in the communities of Yelwata Local Government Area.

This is as fresh terror attacks hit the communities, barely one month after a herders’ attack killed over 200 people, turning thousands into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) homes, following the destruction of their houses and farms.

In a fresh attack by suspected herdsmen on Monday, three persons were reportedly killed while working on their farms in the Yelwata area of Benue State, while others are said to be in critical condition with gunshot injuries from the attack.

The killings, however, sparked a protest by women in the communities, who demanded that soldiers should leave the area as they have not responded to the series of attacks against them.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Guma LGA, Maurice Orwough, who pleaded with the protesting women to return to their homes, sued for peace, even as he condemned the renewed attack on the people.

Recall that the people of Yelwata had earlier faced a devastating overnight attack by herdsmen in June, leading to the killing of many, as well as the destruction of several homes and farmlands.

Peace, however, returned temporarily following a visit by President Bola Tinubu, who charged the Police, Army, and other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the act were apprehended and brought to justice.

However, no pronounced arrests were made following the presidential order.

In a similar development, despite reports of peace initiatives by some Islamic clergy, the security situation in Zamfara State has continued to worsen, as terrorists and bandits have intensified attacks on locals.

Data released Monday by a group, the Zamfara Circle Community Initiative, reveals that 15 villages were attacked between the 4th and 10th of August 2025.

The attacks, according to the group, led to the kidnapping of 144 people, with 24 deaths, and several injured victims across the local government areas.

The breakdown of the attacked communities included Sabe, Tungar Yamma, Sauru, Lambasu, Dogon Madacci, Dankalgo, and Kwanar Kalgo in the Bakura Local Government Area.

In the Tsafe Local Government Area, the attacks targeted Chediya, Kucheri, Yankuzo, and Katangar Gabas Bilbils.

Mafara Local Government recorded incidents in Tabkin Rama, Matsafa, and Ruwan Gizo, while Rafin Jema in Gummi and the communities of Adabka and Masu in Bukkuyum were also affected.

The Zamfara Circle Community Initiative, however, emphasized the need for immediate action, noting that the persistent wave of attacks underscores the urgent need for improved security measures to protect rural communities from armed groups operating in the state.