Global rights group Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian government after an overnight attack by gunmen in Yelewata claimed the lives of over 100 people.
The tragic incident, which unfolded between Friday night and the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025, has left the community devastated, with scores injured, many unaccounted for, and survivors reportedly lacking access to critical medical care.
In a strongly-worded statement released via X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Amnesty described the killings as a grim reflection of the Nigerian government’s failure to uphold its duty to protect lives.
“The horrifying killing of over 100 people by gunmen that invaded Yelewata shows the security measures government claims to be implementing in the state are not working,” the organization said.
Amnesty further revealed that several victims were locked in their homes and set ablaze during the raid, while others were left critically injured.
The fate of dozens who fled into surrounding bushland remains unknown.
Warning of deeper humanitarian implications, the rights body highlighted that the persistent violence is not only forcing mass displacement but also threatening food security in the region, as many of those affected are subsistence farmers.
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“Amnesty International has been documenting the alarming escalation of attacks across Benue state where gunmen have been on a killing spree with utter impunity,” the statement read.
The group accused Nigerian authorities of neglect and inaction, insisting that failure to arrest the deteriorating security situation is leading to avoidable loss of lives and livelihoods.
It urged the government to take immediate and decisive action to halt the violence, ensure justice for the victims, and bring those responsible to book.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies or the federal government regarding the Yelewata massacre.