Yelwata massacre: Survivors still await justice one year after – Amnesty

Amnesty International has renewed its call for justice and accountability for victims of the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, one year after the deadly attack that left more than 100 people dead and thousands displaced.
In a post on its verified Facebook account marking the first anniversary of the June 14, 2025 attack, the human rights organisation recalled the devastation witnessed in the aftermath of the killings, describing scenes of decomposing bodies, bullet shells and freshly dug mass graves in the community.

According to Amnesty International, gunmen who invaded Yelwata killed more than 100 people and forced at least 3,941 residents to flee their homes.

The organisation said the attack was part of a broader pattern of violence that has continued to affect communities across Benue State, depriving thousands of people of their rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, freedom of movement and access to livelihoods.

Amnesty International noted that many survivors of the attack remain displaced and are living in overcrowded and unhygienic camps where access to food, clean water and other basic necessities remains inadequate.

The rights group also criticised what it described as the authorities’ continued failure to bring suspected perpetrators to justice, warning that the lack of accountability has fueled a cycle of impunity and insecurity.

“The authorities’ persistent failure to hold suspected perpetrators to account continues to fuel a cycle of impunity that is making everyone feel unsafe,” the organisation stated.

As Yelwata marks one year since the attack, Amnesty International urged authorities to ensure justice for victims and take concrete steps to protect communities from further violence.