Benue: Mass burial held for victims of herdsmen attack in Jato Aka

Residents of Jato Aka in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, on Thursday laid to rest victims of last week’s deadly herdsmen attack.

The mass burial followed the lifting of an earlier restriction imposed by local authorities, which had delayed funeral rites after a visit by government officials and a US humanitarian, Alex Barbir.

Families and community members gathered in large numbers as the victims were buried in an emotional ceremony filled with grief and mourning.

Among those affected was Chief Fabian Yaga’s family, who lost relatives in the violence.

Residents described the tragedy as overwhelming, leaving many households devastated.

The attack has again drawn attention to the persistent insecurity in parts of Benue State, where rural communities continue to suffer repeated assaults.

A resident, who identified himself as an internally displaced person, lamented the situation.

“Losing loved ones suddenly to violence is a pain beyond words. Only God remains our refuge,” he said.

A community leader, Bem Gbande, offered prayers for the victims, saying, “ay their souls rest in peace.”

Another mourner, Ibya Tyokase, expressed frustration over the situation.

“When we say there is Christian genocide going on, some people won’t believe it. But right here are corpses of Christians,” he said.