Tragic Attack in Yelewata: Hundreds of Christians Targeted in Violent Assault
In the quiet town of Yelewata, Benue, a horrifying event unfolded as a group of Christians, who had already escaped violence in their hometowns, faced a brutal attack on the night of June 13. These individuals had sought refuge in makeshift homes within downtown storefronts, but their sanctuary was shattered by a coordinated assault by militant Fulani groups.
The attackers, shouting “Allahu Akhbar (God is great),” launched an assault that saw the use of fire, firearms, and machetes against those trying to flee. This tragic event, described by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) as the worst killing spree in the region, resulted in the deaths of 200 individuals within a span of two hours.
Ukuma Jonathan Angbianbee, a Catholic priest in the area, recounted his terrifying experience to ACN. “What I saw was truly gruesome. People were slaughtered. Corpses were scattered everywhere,” he said. “When we heard the shots and saw the militants, we committed our lives to God. This morning, I thank God I am alive.”
Many of the victims were displaced persons from Nasarawa and Benue, according to International Christian Concern (ICC). Local authorities arrived at the scene hours after the attack, prompting criticism from a leading priest in the Diocese of Makurdi, who questioned their absence during the critical moments of the attack.
Prior to the attack on downtown Yelewata, law enforcement successfully prevented an assault on St. Joseph’s Church, where 700 displaced individuals had sought refuge. The attackers, deterred by the resistance, shifted their focus to the unguarded downtown area.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of entire families, including infants and the elderly. Initial reports estimated the death toll at 100, but a further investigation by the Diocese of Makurdi Foundation for Justice, Development and Peace confirmed the number to be 200, a finding corroborated by ICC.
On the same night, Fulani militants also attacked a military post near Daudu town, resulting in the deaths of two to five Nigerian soldiers, as reported by ICC and Benue’s Leadership News. “Our tactical teams responded swiftly, and some of the attackers were neutralized,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Sewuese Edet stated, noting that several civilians were also killed and injured during the attack.
This attack follows a series of violent incidents targeting Christians in Nigeria, including the Palm Sunday and Easter attacks in Benue and Plateau that claimed 240 lives. The escalation of violence by Fulani militants has also been reported in incidents such as the June 11 ambush of Christian farmers in Plateau state.
Nigeria’s law enforcement and national security have faced criticism for their lack of intervention in preventing such attacks. Open Doors, in its annual World Watch List, highlights Nigeria as the deadliest country for Christians, with 3,100 Christians killed in 2024 alone.
The Middle Belt of Nigeria, along with other regions, has seen increasing violence, largely driven by radicalized Islamic ethnic Fulani militia. These attacks primarily target Christian farming communities, adding to the violence perpetrated by groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province. While the Fulani are predominantly Muslim, most do not subscribe to extremist ideologies.
This article was originally written by www.baptistpress.com
