How I Watched Killing Of My Five Children – Victim Of Yelwata Attack Testifies At US Congress

Testimony of a Survivor of the Yelwata Attack Before the United States Congress

On November 20, 2025, a harrowing testimony was delivered before the United States Congress by Msurshima Apeh, a survivor of the Yelwata attack in Benue State, Nigeria. Her account was not only a personal tragedy but also a powerful indictment of the violence that has plagued communities in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria.

Msurshima Apeh recounted the night armed men stormed a camp where hundreds of displaced families had sought refuge. In her testimony, she described the unimaginable horror of watching her five children killed during the assault. Her words painted a vivid picture of the vulnerability of displaced persons, many of whom had already lost their homes and livelihoods to earlier waves of violence. 

The attack at Yelwata was one of many incidents in Benue State, a region that has long been a flashpoint for clashes between armed groups and local communities.

Her appearance before Congress was significant for several reasons. 

First, it brought international attention to the plight of victims of communal violence in Nigeria, highlighting the human cost of insecurity in rural areas. 

Second, it underscored the need for global solidarity in addressing humanitarian crises that extend beyond national borders. By sharing her story, Apeh transformed statistics of violence into a deeply personal narrative that resonated with lawmakers and observers alike.

The testimony also raised questions about the protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria. Camps meant to serve as sanctuaries have increasingly become targets, leaving families exposed to further trauma.

Apeh’s account illustrated the inadequacy of security measures and the urgent need for stronger interventions to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Beyond the immediate tragedy, her words carried a broader message about resilience and the pursuit of justice. Speaking before Congress, she gave voice to countless victims whose stories remain unheard. Her testimony was not only an act of remembrance for her children but also a call to action for policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and the international community to confront the root causes of such violence.

This special report captures the gravity of Apeh’s experience: a mother’s grief laid bare before the world, a community’s suffering brought into the halls of power, and a reminder that behind every headline of conflict are human lives irreparably changed. Her testimony stands as both a memorial to her children and a plea for accountability and peace in regions scarred by violence.