In a recent attack in Yelewata, Nigeria, up to 200 displaced Christians were killed by Islamist Fulani militants. The attackers targeted the community, setting buildings ablaze and using machetes. Witnesses, including a local priest, confirmed the Fulani herdsmen were responsible for the massacre. This incident is considered the worst killing spree in the region, highlighting the ongoing violence faced by Christians in Nigeria.
10 days ago
Reports indicate that a brutal attack occurred in Yelewata, a farming community in Benue State, Nigeria, between Friday and Saturday, June 13-14, 2025 4. Islamist Fulani militants targeted Christians, many of whom were internally displaced people (IDPs) seeking refuge in the area 1 2. The attackers set homes ablaze and used machetes on those attempting to escape 1 2. Witnesses reported that the militants shouted "Allahu Akhbar" during the assault 1. The attack has been described as the "worst killing spree" in the region 1 2.
Initial reports estimated the death toll to be around 100, but data collected by the Diocese of Makurdi Foundation for Justice, Development, and Peace suggests that approximately 200 people were killed 1 2. Tersoo Kula, a spokesman for the state governor's office, reported a lower figure of 45 deaths 4. Amnesty International stated that at least 100 people were killed 4. Truth Nigeria, a US-registered online media organization, reported over 200 deaths 4. The discrepancies in the reported death tolls highlight the difficulty in accurately assessing the full extent of the devastation 4.
A leading priest in the Diocese of Makurdi criticized Nigerian law enforcement for their delayed response, questioning their absence during the attack 1 2. Critics have accused the Nigerian government of inaction and even complicity in the violence, alleging a deliberate agenda to Islamize the country 4. Emeka Umeagbalasi, director of the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), claimed that the government's inaction is deliberate 4. Bishop Wilfred Anagbe's testimony before the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs, which described Nigeria as "one of the most dangerous and insecure places for Christians," preceded the attack 4.
Pope Leo XIV addressed the attack during his Angelus address, lamenting the "extraordinary cruelty" of the murders and offering prayers for the victims and for peace and justice in the region 1 2. Father Ukuma Jonathan Angbianbee, a local parish priest, described the scene as "gruesome," with "people slaughtered" and "corpses scattered everywhere" 1 2. Amnesty International condemned the attack, stating that the gunmen have been "on a killing spree with utter impunity" 4. The ongoing violence has raised serious concerns about religious persecution and the protection of Christian communities in Nigeria 1 2.
How does the Church address religious freedom and violence?
The Catholic Church addresses religious freedom as a fundamental human right that is essential for human dignity and peaceful coexistence . It also recognizes that curtailment or violation of religious freedom is an injustice against human dignity . The Church seeks to promote and protect religious freedom for all, emphasizing that no one should be forced to act against their conscience .
Here's how the Church addresses these issues:
Religious Freedom as a Basic Human Right:
Rejection of Violence and Coercion in Religious Matters:
The Church's Role in Promoting Religious Freedom:
In summary, the Church upholds religious freedom as a fundamental right grounded in human dignity. It firmly rejects violence and coercion in religious matters, advocating for open dialogue, respect for individual conscience, and the protection of religious expression within the bounds of public order .