Germany pledges support as Benue residents seek protection after massacre

Residents of Yelwata community in Benue State have called for urgent government protection and humanitarian support following last year’s deadly attack, as Germany reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Nigeria in tackling insecurity.

 

Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Thomas Rachel, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja after a fact-finding visit to affected communities and internally displaced persons camps.

 

Rachel described his visit to Yelwata—where more than 200 Christians were killed in June 2025—as deeply emotional, noting that survivors expressed fears about their safety and future.

 

“I am still moved by my visit to Yelwata… The people with whom I spoke asked for safety. They asked what the government can do. They asked for support for living, and they want to have a chance to return… to their ancestral homes,” he said.

 

Yelwata, a farming community in Guma Local Government Area, was attacked in the early hours of June 13, 2025, by gunmen, leaving over 200 people dead, thousands displaced, and homes destroyed.

 

The German official noted that insecurity remains a major challenge across Nigeria, stressing that both Christians and Muslims are victims of extremist violence.

 

“You see that Christians and Muslims have a common enemy. These are the terrorists. So let me express my full solidarity with Nigeria,” he said.

 

During the visit, Rachel said he met with victims, religious leaders and officials, observing widespread fear among affected populations.

 

“I spoke with victims… and you can feel that they are not sure if they have a perspective for their life, and this makes me sad,” he added.

 

He also raised concerns over alleged human rights violations linked to the application of blasphemy laws in some northern states, warning that such practices could undermine freedom of religion and belief.

 

Highlighting the complexity of Nigeria’s security crisis, Rachel cited terrorism in the North-East and farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt as major drivers of violence.

 

“We have conflicts between farmers and… herders… and in the northern part they are killed by Boko Haram and ISWAP, so it’s a real terroristic problem,” he said.

 

The commissioner emphasised dialogue, mutual respect, and religious tolerance as critical to resolving the crisis, while reaffirming Germany’s support through political, economic and peace-building initiatives.

 

“Nigeria is one of our key partners… Germany remains fully committed to protecting and promoting the freedom of religion and belief,” he said.

 

On military cooperation, Rachel clarified that Germany would not deploy troops but would continue advisory and training support for Nigeria’s armed forces.

 

“We will not act in any military way in Nigeria. Nigeria is a strong country,” he said.

 

He added that lasting peace would depend on unity across religious and ethnic lines, warning that persistent fear among citizens remains a major challenge for the country.