Yelwata massacre

Last updated

The Yelwata massacre was a massacre of Christian villagers by Muslim aggressors which took place between June 13 and 14, 2025 in the Nigerian village of Yelwata. [1] [2] 100 to 200 people were killed and about 3,000 were displaced. [3] [1] [4]

Contents

Attack

The attack began during the night of June 13, 2025. [3] According to Pope Leo XIV, "the majority of those killed were internally displaced people who were being housed at a local Catholic mission." [5]

Aftermath

After the attacks, Nigerian president Bola Tinubu promised to visit the Benue region. [3] Pope Leo XIV denounced the attacks, saying "I pray in particular for the rural Christian communities in the state of Benue, who have unceasingly been victims of violence." [5]

The Free Press criticized mainstream news outlets for either ignoring the massacre, or reporting it without mentioning the fact that the massacre was perpetrated by Muslims against Christians. [6]

References

  1. 1 2 Wise, Talia (18 June 2025). "'Babies Were Burned': Muslim Gunmen Massacre up to 200 Christians in Nigeria". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  2. Chimtom, Ngala Killian. "Prayers for victims of 'terrible massacre' in Nigeria". The Tablet. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 Achirga, Abraham (17 June 2025). "Charred bodies, shattered lives after gunmen kill 100 in Nigeria". Reuters. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  4. Shibayan, Dyepkazah (14 June 2025). "At least 100 people killed by gunmen in north-central Nigeria, rights group says". AP News. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  5. 1 2 "The Pope's words at the Angelus prayer". press.vatican.va. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  6. Kearns, Madeleine (6 June 2025). "As Christians Are Slaughtered, the World Looks Away". The Free Press. Retrieved 16 July 2025.