Ten-month-old Targule Aya, the sole survivor of a family devastated in the recent Yelewata massacre, was emotionally reunited with his father on Tuesday at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH).

The infant miraculously survived the violent attack—allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area—that claimed the lives of his mother and three siblings. He was found by a fleeing resident, wounded with a stab to his back, and rushed to the hospital for urgent care.

On arrival, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, directed immediate admission into the Paediatric Medical Ward. Given the baby's fragile state, Mrs. Asongo Roseline, a compassionate hospital staff member, stepped in to care for him around the clock while medical personnel worked to stabilize his condition.

A few days later, a major breakthrough occurred when Mrs. Blessing Audu, another survivor receiving treatment at the hospital, identified the child and contacted his father, Mr. Targule Aya. Aya had survived the same attack but tragically lost his wife and three children.

In a heart-wrenching moment filled with tears and deep emotion, father and son were finally reunited—an overwhelming scene of sorrow mixed with hope as Aya clutched his baby boy, the last remaining member of his immediate family.

Dr. Hwande, while officially handing over the child to his father, expressed gratitude to God for sparing the boy’s life and commended the staff, especially Mrs. Roseline, for their exceptional compassion and dedication.

Tsenzughul Moses of the hospital’s Public Relations and Protocol Department assured that BSUTH would continue to provide comprehensive medical care for the child.

Speaking through tears, Mr. Aya said, “God used this hospital to save my only surviving child. I’ll forever be grateful for the love and kindness we’ve received.”