Overview

• On the night of June 13–14, Fulani Jihadist herdsmen killed about 200 Christians in Yelewata, Benue State, after targeting families sheltered at St. Joseph’s Church.
• After failing to breach the church, the attackers set fire to homes and town square buildings while witnesses reported most victims were women, children and internally displaced persons.
• The Benue State Police Command confirmed the fatalities and said tactical teams were deployed immediately to pursue the assailants as communities decried security failures.
• President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible but stopped short of naming the Fulani militia, drawing criticism from clergy and civil society groups.
• Pope Leo prayed for justice and peace for Nigeria’s Christian communities while survivors are left fearful and without sufficient food, shelter or medical care.