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Nearly 200 Christians Killed in Fulani Militia Attack on Yelewata

Survivors sheltered at a Catholic mission lack basic necessities following the attack

A man stands in front of a damaged and burnt house following a deadly gunmen attack in Yelewata, Benue State, Nigeria, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye
A burnt bike remains following a deadly gunmen attack in Yelewata, Benue State, Nigeria, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye
A woman stands in front of the remains of a burnt building following a deadly gunmen attack in Yelewata, Benue State, Nigeria, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye
Burnt grains and farming equipment sit inside a storehouse following a deadly gunmen attack in Yelewata, Benue State, Nigeria, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye

Overview

  • Around 200 Christians, most of them internally displaced persons, were killed when armed Fulani herdsmen stormed Yelewata village on the night of June 13–14.
  • Attackers attempted to breach St. Joseph’s Church before setting fire to homes and targeting women, children and displaced families in the town square.
  • Benue State Police confirmed civilian deaths, deployed tactical teams that engaged the militants and recovered bodies from burned buildings.
  • President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible without explicitly naming the Fulani militia.
  • Pope Leo and the Atiku Support Organization have condemned the massacre, urging justice, enhanced protection for Christian communities and accountability from the government.