The Yelwata massacre was a massacre of Christian villagers which took place between June 13 and 14, 2025 in the Nigerian village of Yelwata. [1] It is estimated that around 100 to 200 people were killed and about 3,000 were displaced. [2] [3]
The attack began during the night of June 13, 2025. [2] According to Pope Leo XIV, "the majority of those killed were internally displaced people who were being housed at a local Catholic mission." [4]
After the attacks, Nigerian president Bola Tinubu promised to visit the Benue region. [2] 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." [4]
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. [5]