A memorial monument dedicated to more than 270 victims of the June 13 and 14, 2025 attacks on Yelewata community in Benue State has been unveiled, serving as a lasting tribute to those who lost their lives in one of the state’s deadliest incidents.
The monument was unveiled on Friday by the Chief Executive Officer of Equipping the Persecuted (ETP), Mr. Judd Saul, in Yelewata, a farming community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sponsored by Equipping the Persecuted USA and facilitated by legal practitioner and Knight of Columbus, Franc Utoo, Esq., the memorial bears the names of more than 270 Christian farmers who were reportedly killed in coordinated attacks while they slept.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Saul described the monument as more than a tribute to the deceased, saying it stands as a permanent reminder of what he termed the persecution of Christians in the region.
“This monument stands strong and tells Nigeria and the world that this is Christian persecution because all the victims are Christians,” Saul said.
He added that the victims did not die in vain and noted that the memorial sends a clear message that the killings must stop.
Saul reaffirmed the commitment of Equipping the Persecuted to supporting communities affected by violence, preventing persecution where possible, and providing assistance to victims. He also pledged that the organisation would continue engaging policymakers in Washington and advocating for international intervention.
The ETP delegation was received by the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Wilfred Anagbe, who reiterated his opposition to plans aimed at permanently resettling displaced persons outside their ancestral communities.
According to the bishop, lasting peace can only be achieved by returning displaced residents to their ancestral homes.
“What becomes of their lands if they are resettled outside their ancestral homes?” he asked.
Bishop Anagbe commended Equipping the Persecuted for its continued support to victims of violence and persecution, describing the organisation’s efforts as a demonstration of Christian compassion and humanitarian service.
Speaking on the significance of the memorial, Franc Utoo said the monument was created to preserve the memory of each victim and ensure their stories remain part of history.
“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,” Utoo said.
As part of activities marking the first anniversary of the attacks, Bishop Anagbe is expected to lead a memorial service on Saturday, June 13, alongside other bishops, priests and pastors to honour the victims and pray for lasting peace in the affected communities.
The memorial is expected to serve as both a place of remembrance and a symbol of resilience for the Yelewata community, ensuring that the lives lost in the tragic attacks are never forgotten.
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