At least three people were reportedly killed on Monday in Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, following an attack by suspected armed herders. In a separate incident, Boko Haram insurgents launched an assault on a military base in Borno State, leading to the death of two soldiers.

Senator Diket Plang, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, also alleged that foreign militant groups, aided by local collaborators, were behind the recent violence in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The fresh attack in Yelewata, which comes weeks after a deadly incident that claimed over 200 lives in the same area, occurred shortly after President Bola Tinubu visited the state and initiated a committee to address the ongoing security crisis.

A government official, who preferred anonymity, stated that the victims were ambushed on their farms. “They went to the farm and were attacked by the armed herders. Three were killed, and another three sustained injuries. Others managed to escape unharmed,” the source disclosed.

The attack triggered outrage among locals, especially women, who blocked the Makurdi-Lafia Road in protest, demanding urgent government action to stop the recurring violence.

“This attack is deeply troubling, especially considering assurances from the government to make the area safe again. More than 3,000 people remain displaced and are reluctant to return due to the persistent threat,” the source added.

Joseph Har, the Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs to Governor Hyacinth Alia, confirmed the incident but clarified that the attack occurred in a neighboring community near Yelewata. He noted that three were killed and three injured, and that the previously blocked road had been reopened.

Chairman of Guma LGA, Maurice Orwough, also verified the attack and subsequent protest. He appealed to all stakeholders to work collectively towards lasting peace. Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive full details.

Women from the affected area occupied the highway during the protest, chanting and calling on the authorities to stop the killings and reclaim their land from invaders.

Boko Haram Strikes Military Base in Borno, Two Soldiers Killed

In Borno State, insurgents believed to be Boko Haram fighters launched an attack on a military post in Kirawa community, near the Cameroon border, killing two soldiers.

The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, and Police Public Relations Officer ASP Kenneth Daso confirmed the attack, which reportedly occurred around 9:30 pm on Saturday. According to eyewitnesses, the insurgents, split into two groups, entered through Valle village and a local filling station, opening fire indiscriminately.

Sources alleged that the Commanding Officer was absent during the attack. One source claimed only one soldier died, while many insurgents were also neutralized during the counteroffensive, which led to the destruction of their base and recovery of weapons.

A female student was reportedly abducted during the chaos, and many residents fled to neighboring Cameroon for safety.

Speaking via phone, Emir Timta said: “I received a call from the District Head of Kirawa reporting the terrorist invasion. It’s shocking that the commanding officer wasn’t present. Many of our people have now sought refuge in Cameroon.”

ASP Daso confirmed the incident but stated that the total number of casualties had not yet been determined.

However, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, later refuted reports that Nigerian troops were attacked. He clarified that the attack occurred on Cameroonian soil, targeting a base in Kirawa manned by Cameroonian forces.

“It’s the Cameroonian base in Kirawa that was attacked, not Nigerian troops,” Abubakar said in a message, adding that evidence, including destroyed vehicles, confirmed the attackers targeted Cameroonian soldiers. He urged journalists to verify their information with military sources before publication.

Senator Alleges Foreign Armed Groups Behind Plateau Killings

Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central, raised alarm over foreign-backed militant activities in Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State. He described the attacks as “heinous” and aimed at displacing locals from their ancestral lands.

He said the violence, which began in April, had spread across the Plateau Central zone, destroying lives, farmlands, and homes, forcing thousands into displacement.

“These perpetrators have dark motives. They want to drive people out to take over their land. This is already happening in parts of the state,” Plang said.

He acknowledged the efforts of security forces but emphasized the need for broader, coordinated operations to prevent militants from gaining ground. He advocated for collaboration among communities, security agencies, and local vigilante groups.

The senator also called for the construction of road networks to improve military access and enable farmers to return to their land. He recommended the establishment of permanent military outposts and increased border surveillance.

“I sympathize with the people of Mushere chiefdom and Bokkos leadership. I call on agencies like NEMA and the Red Cross to step in and address the growing humanitarian crisis,” Plang added.

Zamfara: 15 Villages Attacked, 144 Kidnapped Within a Week

The security crisis in Zamfara State has intensified, with a new report revealing that between August 4 and 10, 2025, at least 15 villages were attacked, resulting in 144 abductions and 24 deaths.

According to the Zamfara Circle Community Initiative, the affected areas include:

Bakura LGA: Sabe, Tungar Yamma, Sauru, Lambasu, Dogon Madacci, Dankalgo, Kwanar Kalgo

Tsafe LGA: Chediya, Kucheri, Yankuzo, Katangar Gabas Bilbils

Mafara LGA: Tabkin Rama, Matsafa, Ruwan Gizo

Other communities: Rafin Jema (Gummi LGA), Adabka and Masu (Bukkuyum LGA)

The report called for urgent reinforcement of security to protect vulnerable rural communities across the state.

Air Force Strikes Kill Dozens of Terrorists in Zamfara

In a related development, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed it had conducted a successful airstrike under Operation Fasan Yamma in Zamfara, neutralizing scores of terrorists.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, disclosed that over 400 armed fighters were spotted planning an attack on a farming community. The operation, which combined air power and ground forces, reportedly eliminated several notorious bandit leaders and their fighters.

Ejodame said the mission's success was due to strong coordination between air and land forces.

US Calls for Joint Effort Against Terror in West Africa

The United States has urged countries in West Africa and the Sahel region to unite in combating terrorism, especially extremist groups like Boko Haram, ISIS-Sahel, and ISIS-West Africa.

Speaking during a UN Security Council briefing on West African peace consolidation, US Ambassador Dorothy Shea emphasized that terrorist groups do not respect national borders.

She condemned the continuous attacks on civilians and called for regional military and intelligence cooperation that respects human rights and the rule of law.

“Terrorism is affecting millions across Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and the Lake Chad Basin. It’s time for a coordinated response,” she stated.

The ambassador also addressed the destabilizing impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, warning that porous borders and arms smuggling could further threaten peace in the Sahel.

She called on warring factions in Sudan to end hostilities and restore stability to prevent a broader regional crisis.