One Year After Yelewata Massacre, Calls for Justice and Protection Intensify in Nigeria

Newsroom (18/06/2026 Gaudium Press )  One year after the massacre of hundreds of residents in Yelewata, Benue State, the tragedy remains a stark symbol of unresolved violence and alleged religious persecution in Nigeria. Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi has renewed calls for justice, warning that continued silence risks emboldening perpetrators and deepening cycles of violence.

Speaking on the sidelines of a memorial Mass held on June 15 at the site of the attack, Bishop Anagbe described the anniversary as both a solemn remembrance and a moment of urgent reflection. The gathering honored men, women, children, and elderly victims who were killed in what he characterized as one of the darkest tragedies in the region’s history.

“The connection is very clear,” Bishop Anagbe said. “From the earliest days of Christianity, believers have suffered persecution because of their faith. The Church was born through the witness of martyrs. In Nigeria today, Christians are still facing persecution even after the Yelewata massacre.”

He challenged assertions that religious persecution is a relic of the past, stressing that discrimination, displacement, intimidation, and violence against Christians persist globally. According to the bishop, Nigeria remains a contemporary example of this reality. “The story of Christian persecution did not end with the Roman Empire; it continues in our own time,” he said.

The memorial Mass, held on the grounds where the attack occurred, was described by the bishop as both an act of remembrance and a proclamation of hope rooted in Christian faith. He emphasized that the Eucharistic celebration served to affirm that the victims have not been forgotten while underscoring the belief that death does not have the final word.

“As Christians, we believe that death does not have the final word. The victory of Christ over death gives meaning and hope even amid immense suffering,” he said.

Bishop Anagbe described remembrance as a “sacred duty,” arguing that preserving the memory of victims is essential to protecting truth and ensuring justice. Forgetting, he warned, would allow injustice to prevail. He further framed the memorial as a “prayerful protest” against violence, persecution, and human rights abuses.

“To remember is not to promote hatred; it is to ensure that the dignity of victims is respected and that history is not distorted,” he said. “We remember because forgetting would mean allowing injustice to triumph.”

The bishop also raised critical questions about the circumstances surrounding the attack, calling on Nigerian authorities to provide answers. He expressed concern over how an assault reportedly lasting several hours could occur in a community located along a major highway without effective security intervention.

“Naturally, people ask how such an operation could be carried out for such a prolonged period without intervention,” he said.

He added that reports of prior warnings about the attack warrant a full investigation, suggesting that earlier action might have prevented loss of life. The bishop emphasized that governments have a primary responsibility to protect lives and property, urging accountability at all levels.

Defending his use of the term “genocide” to describe the violence in Benue State and other regions, Bishop Anagbe said the repeated targeting of communities, widespread killings, and forced displacement demand serious consideration.

“The term genocide is not one that I use lightly,” he said. “The late victims of Yelewata were not combatants; they were ordinary citizens—farmers, mothers, fathers, children, and worshippers.”

Despite ongoing debate about terminology, he insisted that the central priority should be ending the violence and safeguarding innocent lives. He also dismissed explanations that attribute such attacks solely to factors like climate change or disputes between farmers and herders, emphasizing the scale and brutality of the killings.

“We are talking about mass murder. Innocent citizens were butchered, homes were burned, and families were destroyed,” he said.

Survivors of the attack continue to grapple with its devastating aftermath. Aondona John, one of those affected, described widespread hunger, poverty, and psychological trauma that persist one year later.

“We are suffering from hunger. We lost so much, and we lost many lives. Many of our people have stopped going to school, including our children. Financially, we are suffering, and mentally, the effects of this genocide have deeply touched the community,” he said.

Another survivor, Shedrach Amaki, said fear has prevented many residents from returning to their farms, leaving families without food or income. “Before this happened, we went to our farms and carried out our daily work, but now, more than one year later, we have nothing,” he said. “We have no food, and we are frustrated.”

Amaki appealed for improved security measures to enable displaced farmers to safely resume their livelihoods. Survivors broadly called on authorities and humanitarian organizations not to abandon affected communities, noting that many families remain displaced and reliant on assistance.

“We are asking for what every citizen deserves—justice and protection,” he said.

Bishop Anagbe praised the resilience of survivors, noting their perseverance despite profound loss. He pointed to Christian belief in the resurrection as a source of hope, even as grief endures.

“Their resilience has been extraordinary,” he said. “We believe our departed brothers and sisters are resting in the Lord and that Christ will raise them up on the last day.”

The bishop also highlighted support from the global Catholic Church, noting that Pope Leo XIV had publicly prayed for victims and called attention to the crisis. According to Bishop Anagbe, such solidarity underscores the universal concern for justice, peace, and human dignity.

Looking forward, he urged renewed commitment from Nigerian authorities, citizens, and the international community to uphold the sanctity of human life. His appeal included hopes for the safe return of displaced persons and the restoration of normal life, particularly for farmers who have lost access to their land.

“Human life is sacred. Every person is created in the image of God and deserves protection, dignity, and respect,” he said. “I pray that the displaced will return to their homes. I pray that farmers will once again cultivate their lands in peace. I pray that those responsible for these crimes will be brought to justice.”

He concluded with a message of cautious optimism grounded in faith, asserting that even amid tragedy, hope endures.

“Christ conquered death; therefore, even in the midst of tragedy, we believe that light will overcome darkness,” he said.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa