Court Hears Testimony on Yelwata Attack by Gunmen

On Thursday, a Federal High Court in Abuja examined testimonies regarding a violent attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, where over 150 individuals were killed and homes were burned. The attack, involving 100 gunmen wielding AK-47 rifles, occurred on June 13, 2025.

Nine defendants, including Ardo Lawal and Moham Dono, were arraigned on 57 counts of terrorism-related charges and pleaded not guilty. Justice Joyc Abdulmalik remanded them at Kuje Correctional Centre pending further hearings.

The Federal Government accused the defendants of participating in a meeting in Nasarawa State to plan the attack. Testimonies revealed that the first defendant confessed to attending a meeting of Fulani chiefs to raise funds for the assault, with contributions amounting to N300,000 and N200,000.

The court heard that the attack targeted the Dawudu community, leading to significant displacement of residents. The case has been adjourned until Friday for further proceedings.