A survivor of the June 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State, Msurshima Apeh, has relived the traumatic events before the United States Congress, describing how terrorists murdered her five children in her presence.
Apeh appeared virtually on Thursday before the House Subcommittee on Africa during a session reviewing President Donald Trump’s decision to return Nigeria to the Country of Particular Concern list over alleged religious persecution.
She provided a detailed account of the night the attackers struck.
According to her, the assault happened while residents were asleep.
“When we went to sleep that night around 9 pm, the Fulani terrorists attacked us where we were sleeping.”
“We were locked inside the camp, Yelwata, and they were butchering them with cutlasses and shooting guns as well.
“When the torture had finished at some point in time, they poured petrol on the building and the majority of them were set ablaze,” she explained.
Apeh said she escaped death by climbing a tree, from where she helplessly witnessed her children being murdered.
“In the course of this action, I saw a tree when I lifted my eyes. I raised my hands on the tree and climbed up where I was able to hide myself.”
“My five children that I left below were crying, and in my presence, they were being slaughtered by the terrorists,” she recounted.
She added that she eventually ran into the bush for safety and was later rescued and relocated.
“I ran out into the bush at some point, and those who came for rescue will now bring me out of that place at some point, and I was able to witness the whole drama. When the people came, we were now relocated to a new camp,” she said.
The Yelwata attack, which occurred in June 2025, was reportedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen.
Several civilians were killed alongside five security personnel, two soldiers, a police officer, and two others.
Many homes and market stalls were set ablaze, and multiple families were completely wiped out, including one that lost 15 members.
In response, President Bola Tinubu cut short other engagements to visit Benue State, meet with community leaders, and assess the situation directly.
He also visited survivors receiving treatment in hospitals.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun condemned the attack as a threat to national sovereignty and promised increased security deployments.
He confirmed the arrest of 26 suspects linked to the killings.
The massacre drew widespread condemnation across the country, prompting renewed calls from political, religious, and civil society groups for justice and more effective security measures to prevent such tragedies.
