Yelewata Massacre: Father Reunites with Surviving Infant After Losing Wife, Three Children

In a deeply emotional scene at Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) on Tuesday, Mr. Targule Aya was reunited with his 10-month-old son, the sole survivor of the recent Yelewata massacre that claimed the lives of his wife and three other children.

The infant, also named Targule Aya, was found wounded but alive following the brutal attack allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area. Discovered by a fleeing resident with a stab wound on his back, the child was rushed to BSUTH, where he was admitted on the orders of Chief Medical Director Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande.

Moved by the baby’s condition, hospital staff member Mrs. Asongo Roseline volunteered to care for him while he received medical attention, offering comfort and support during his initial days of recovery.

The breakthrough came when Mrs. Blessing Audu, a fellow survivor of the attack who was also being treated at BSUTH, recognized the child. She quickly alerted his father, who had survived the massacre but was unaware that any of his family had lived.

Their reunion was marked by tears and silence as Aya clutched his infant son, the last remaining member of his immediate family. Dr. Hwande, who officially handed the child over to his father, expressed gratitude that the baby had survived and commended the staff for their compassion—especially Mrs. Roseline’s selfless role in the child’s recovery.

According to Tsenzughul Moses of the hospital’s Public Relations and Protocol Department, BSUTH has committed to continue providing full medical support for the baby’s healing process.

Overcome with emotion, Mr. Aya said, “God used this hospital to save my only surviving child. I’m eternally grateful for the kindness and love shown to us.”