Amnesty International has strongly condemned the brutal killing of over 100 people in Yelewata, a community in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, and has criticised the Nigerian government’s failure to prevent ongoing violence in the region.
In a statement shared on Saturday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the human rights organisation called for immediate steps by Nigerian authorities to halt the “almost daily bloodshed” in Benue and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The deadly attack began late Friday, June 13, and extended into the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025.
According to reports, gunmen stormed the village, killing scores, injuring many, and setting homes ablaze.
“The horrifying killing of over 100 people by gunmen that invaded Yelewata shows the security measures the government claims to be implementing in the state are not working,” Amnesty International stated.
Amnesty recounts that many people are still missing, aside from dozens injured and left without adequate medical care. Many families were locked up and burnt inside their bedrooms. So many bodies were burnt beyond recognition.
Amnesty further warned that the ongoing violence in Benue is not only claiming lives but also severely impacting the state’s agricultural sector and displacing entire communities.
“The continued violence in Benue is forcing people to flee their homes and may lead to food shortages since many of the victims are farmers,” the statement noted.
The organisation urged the Nigerian government to take decisive and concrete actions to end the killings, protect civilians, and hold those responsible accountable.
“The Nigerian authorities’ failure to stem the violence is costing people’s lives and livelihoods. Without immediate action, many more lives may be lost,” Amnesty cautioned.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.