Benue Tragedy: 10-Month-Old Baby Miraculously Survives Fulani Herdsmen Attack, Reunites With Grieving Father at BSUTH
In what can only be described as a miraculous survival, a 10-month-old baby named Targule Aya has defied death and brutality, becoming a symbol of hope and resilience amid the recent massacre in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The child, who was severely wounded and left for dead during the vicious attack allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen, has now been reunited with his grieving father at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi.
This deeply emotional and heart-wrenching story not only highlights the horrific impact of rural violence in Nigeria but also underscores the importance of timely intervention by health authorities and the incredible compassion of good Samaritans. The survival and eventual reunion of baby Targule with his father offers a glimmer of hope in a tragedy that has left dozens dead and many families completely shattered.
A Tragic Night of Horror in Yelwata
The violence that erupted in Yelwata community on the night of Friday, June 13, 2025, left the community reeling in sorrow. Reports indicated that suspected herders stormed the area, killing scores of innocent villagers, burning homes, and forcing hundreds to flee for their lives. Among the many families affected was that of Mr. Targule Aya, who lost his wife and three children in the brutal massacre.
Amid the chaos, his youngest child—10-month-old baby Targule—was found by a good Samaritan. The baby had been stabbed in the back and was in critical condition, crying helplessly in the bush. His mother and siblings had all perished in the attack, and it seemed as though he too would become another victim of the relentless bloodshed.
A Good Samaritan Steps In
According to a statement issued by Tsenzughul Moses, Acting Head of the Public Relations and Protocol Department at BSUTH, the infant was discovered by a civilian who was himself fleeing the attack. The individual, upon hearing the child’s cries and noticing the injuries on the baby’s body, picked him up and rushed him to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
The statement reads:
“The baby was rescued by a good Samaritan who, while escaping from the scene of the attack, found the infant crying and bleeding. Without hesitation, he brought the child to BSUTH, where urgent medical attention was administered.”
The Chief Medical Director of BSUTH, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, acted promptly upon the child's arrival. Realizing the severity of the stab wound and the emotional trauma the infant had endured, Dr. Hwande ordered immediate admission into the Paediatric Medical Ward for treatment.
Furthermore, understanding that the baby had no guardian, he also arranged for a dedicated caregiver to be assigned to the child to ensure he was properly fed, clothed, and comforted throughout his healing process.
The Emotional Reunion
For days, the child remained unidentified—his name, background, and family were unknown. That was until another survivor of the Yelwata massacre, Mrs. Blessing Audu, who was also receiving treatment at the hospital, saw the child and instantly recognized him.
“She saw the baby and began to cry. She said she knew him and remembered his family,” said Tsenzughul Moses in the BSUTH statement.
Mrs. Audu wasted no time in alerting the baby’s father, Mr. Targule Aya. In what became one of the most emotional moments in recent memory at the hospital, Mr. Aya rushed to the ward and found his surviving son.
He broke down in tears as he picked up his baby boy—his only surviving child—holding him tightly and thanking God, the hospital staff, and the good Samaritan who saved his life.
In a choked voice, Mr. Aya said:
“God has used this hospital to save my only remaining child. I will never forget the kindness shown to us. Thank you to the doctors, the nurses, and the caregiver who treated my baby like their own.”
From Survivor to Symbol of Resilience
Baby Targule Aya has now become more than a victim—he is a symbol of resilience and a living reminder of the cost of insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Though physically wounded and deeply traumatized, he lives on, against all odds.
His story is also a testament to the strength and compassion of the Nigerian people. The efforts of the unnamed Samaritan, the swift action of the hospital's CMD, the dedication of the doctors and nurses, and the keen observation of another survivor all came together to save this little life.
A Father's Plea to Nigeria and the World
Despite the joy of reuniting with his son, Mr. Targule Aya remains a man devastated. He has lost his entire family, his home was burned down, and he now has nowhere to live or means to feed his only surviving child. He is calling on the government at all levels, humanitarian organizations, and the public to come to his aid.
With tears in his eyes, he said:
“We have no home to return to and nothing to eat. I appeal to the government, NGOs, and kind-hearted Nigerians to please help us. We need help to survive and rebuild what is left of our lives.”
His appeal echoes the cries of many displaced persons across Benue and Nigeria at large, who have been rendered homeless due to years of unchecked violence between herders and farmers.
Insecurity in Benue: A Growing Crisis
This heart-wrenching story is not isolated. It is part of a growing crisis of insecurity in Benue State and across the Middle Belt, where clashes between suspected Fulani herdsmen and local farming communities have led to thousands of deaths and widespread displacement over the years.
Human rights groups and local leaders have consistently raised the alarm over the federal government's inability to decisively address the killings. Despite repeated calls for increased security presence and intervention, many communities continue to suffer under the constant threat of attacks.
The Role of Healthcare in Tragedy Response
BSUTH has, once again, demonstrated the critical role healthcare institutions play in not just treating physical wounds but also offering hope in the face of immense despair. The hospital’s swift response, compassionate care, and professionalism have not only saved a life but restored a father’s hope.
Dr. Hwande and his team deserve special commendation for showing the human side of medicine—where empathy meets expertise, and where every life, no matter how small, is given a fighting chance.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
As Nigerians and the international community learn about baby Targule’s survival, it is important that this story moves beyond sympathy and triggers concrete action. This includes:
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Increased security presence in rural communities like Yelwata.
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Support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) through food, shelter, and trauma healing programs.
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Government accountability in addressing the root causes of these conflicts.
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Recognition and reward for institutions and individuals who step up during national emergencies.
This tragedy should not be forgotten. The story of baby Targule Aya must remain in our national consciousness—a reminder of what’s at stake and what can be saved when humanity prevails.
