From JOHNSON NONGU, Makurdi
The names of more than 270 residents killed during the June 13 and 14, 2025 attacks on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State were unveiled on Friday as part of activities marking the first anniversary of the tragedy.
The names were inscribed on the Yelewata Genocide Memorial Monument, which was unveiled by the Chief Executive Officer of Equipping the Persecuted (ETP), Mr. Judd Saul.
The memorial, sponsored by Equipping the Persecuted USA and facilitated by Franc Utoo, Esq., was erected in honour of the victims and to preserve the memory of those who lost their lives in the attack.
Speaking during the unveiling, Saul described the monument as a symbol of remembrance and a call for justice.
“The monument is not just a memorial to remember the victims and the dead. It stands strong and tells Nigeria and the world that this is Christian persecution because all the victims are Christians,” he said.
He said the organisation would continue to advocate for an end to the killings and draw international attention to the plight of affected communities.
“Our message to Nigeria and the rest of the world is that the killings must end.
“We will continue to put pressure on Washington and the President of the United States to take action,” Saul added.
Also speaking, facilitator of the project, Franc Utoo, said the monument was designed to ensure that the victims would not be forgotten.
“This monument is our way of giving every victim a name, a space and a witness in history.
“It tells future generations: this happened here, to real people, and it must never happen again,” he said.
The ETP delegation was received by the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, who reiterated his opposition to any plan to permanently resettle displaced persons outside their ancestral communities.
According to the bishop, the return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes remains the most sustainable solution to the crisis, stressing that justice and security must be guaranteed for affected communities.
He commended Equipping the Persecuted for supporting victims of violence and persecution.
As part of its intervention, the organisation donated food items and other relief materials to survivors and families affected by the attacks.
A memorial service in honour of the victims is expected to hold as part of activities marking the anniversary of the killings.
