Benue Attack Survivor Tells US Congress How She Lost Five Children in June Assault

A survivor of the June 2025 Yelwata attack in Benue State, Msurshima Apeh, told the United States Congress on Thursday about the brutal killing of her five children during the assault. Speaking before the House Subcommittee on Africa, Apeh described how armed assailants attacked the camp where she and her family were sleeping, killing civilians and security personnel, and setting buildings ablaze.

Apeh recounted that she escaped by climbing a tree, watching helplessly as her children were slaughtered below. She later fled into the bush and was eventually rescued and relocated to a new camp.

The hearing coincided with President Donald Trump’s decision to reinstate Nigeria on the Country of Particular Concern list, citing alleged ongoing religious persecution.

The Yelwata attack, believed to have been carried out by armed herdsmen, resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians and five security personnel, including soldiers and police officers. Homes and market stalls were torched, and many families were completely destroyed, with one family of 15 wiped out.

In response, President Bola Tinubu visited Benue State to meet with victims and stakeholders, pledging to address the crisis. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun described the attacks as threats to national sovereignty and announced the deployment of additional officers and the arrest of 26 suspects linked to the killings.