One year ago, 271 people were killed in Yelewata, Benue State, in one of the deadliest attacks on a Nigerian community in recent years. On Saturday, survivors, families, and leaders gathered to remember them — and to demand justice.
A memorial Mass was held, and a cenotaph engraved with the names of all 271 victims was unveiled in the community, located in Guma Local Government Area. The attack happened over the night of June 13–14, 2025.
Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, led the commemoration. He described the anniversary as a painful reminder of one of the community's darkest moments.
“One year ago, we were here mourning and burying our brothers and sisters who were massacred between June 13 and 14. Many of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition,” the Bishop said.
He said the memorial wasn't just to honour the dead but to remind society to protect human life and ensure accountability. He added that the attack could've been prevented if security agencies had acted on intelligence reports warning of the impending assault.
“There were warnings before the attack, yet nothing was done. For several hours, the attackers operated unhindered and 271 innocent people lost their lives. We owe the victims justice,” he stated.
The cenotaph was built with support from Equipping The Persecuted (ETP), a US-based nonprofit that aids persecuted Christians. Barr. Frank Utoo, a human rights advocate from Yelewata, facilitated the project. He said the monument was designed to preserve the victims' memory forever.
“Within a four-hour period, 271 people were killed in this community. Among them were children, women and men whose only crime was being in their homes that night,” Utoo said.
“These aren't statistics. These are human beings whose lives mattered. That's why their names have been engraved on this monument, so they'll never be forgotten.”
Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South, Comrade Abba Moro, called the anniversary a sad reminder of government failure to protect citizens.
“Today is a very painful day for the people of Yelewata and for Benue State. The loss of 271 innocent lives is a tragedy that should never've happened. It reminds us that government must do more to safeguard the lives and property of the people,” he said.
PDP governorship candidate Chief Mike Aondoakaa described the massacre as a grave crime against humanity. He called for stronger intelligence gathering, more funding for security agencies, and better collaboration between Benue and neighbouring states.
Dr. Eunice Ortom, PDP Benue North-West Senatorial candidate, said the deaths of women, children, and breadwinners had left wounds that remain unhealed.
“The loss suffered by this community is immeasurable. Families are still grieving and children are still growing up without parents,” she said.
No arrests have been reported in connection with the attack. The community says they'll keep demanding justice until the perpetrators are brought to book.