Residents of Yelwata community in Benue State have renewed calls for urgent government protection and humanitarian assistance, as Germany reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in tackling insecurity and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The appeal follows a fact-finding visit by Thomas Rachel, who spoke during a press briefing in Abuja after engaging with victims, religious leaders, and officials.
Rachel described his visit to Yelwata—scene of a devastating June 2025 massacre—as deeply emotional. According to him, survivors of the attack, which reportedly claimed over 200 lives, expressed fear over their safety and uncertainty about their future.
“I am still moved by my visit,” he said, recounting how residents pleaded for security guarantees and support to rebuild their lives. Many of those affected remain displaced, living in camps after fleeing the violence that destroyed homes and livelihoods.
The Yelwata attack, which occurred in Guma Local Government Area, was part of a broader wave of violence that has affected Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where clashes involving armed groups, farmers, and herders have persisted for years. The community, located near Makurdi, had also been hosting internally displaced persons before the assault, worsening the humanitarian impact.
Rachel emphasized that insecurity in Nigeria affects people across religious lines, noting that both Christians and Muslims are victims of extremist violence. He expressed Germany’s solidarity with Nigeria, describing terrorism and communal conflicts as shared challenges requiring coordinated responses.
During his visit, the German envoy also toured internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and held discussions with both Christian and Muslim leaders, as well as civil society actors. He observed widespread fear among affected populations, with many uncertain about returning to their ancestral homes.
Beyond immediate security concerns, Rachel raised issues relating to human rights, particularly the application of blasphemy laws in some northern states. He warned that such practices could lead to violations of fundamental freedoms, including the right to religion and belief.
Highlighting the complexity of Nigeria’s security landscape, he pointed to multiple drivers of violence—from insurgency by groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East to farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt.
He stressed the importance of dialogue, tolerance, and mutual respect among religious communities, describing freedom of religion as a cornerstone of peace and stability. “It is an indicator of human dignity and national stability,” he said.
Rachel reiterated that Germany would continue to support Nigeria through diplomatic, economic, and peace-building initiatives. However, he clarified that such support would not include military troop deployment but would focus on advisory roles and partnerships with international organizations.
As insecurity continues to challenge communities like Yelwata, residents are urging both the Nigerian government and international partners to move beyond promises and deliver concrete actions that ensure safety, justice, and the restoration of normal life.
The situation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to security—one that combines military efforts, humanitarian support, and long-term strategies for peacebuilding in affected regions.
