By Palang Paul
A memorial monument honoring at least 270 Christians victims of the June 13, 2025 massacre in Yelewata Community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, was unveiled on Saturday June 13 2026, marking one year since the tragic attack that shocked Nigeria and drew international attention.
The monument, named the Yelewata Genocide Memorial Monument, stands as a permanent tribute to the men, women, and children who lost their lives in the coordinated attack. The 14-foot structure bears the names of over 270 Christian farmers who were reportedly killed while they slept.
The unveiling formed part of a two-day remembrance programme organized by the Yelewata community in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi and U.S.-based Christian organization, Equipping the Persecuted.
A special message from Pope Leo XIV was delivered during the ceremony, calling on the Federal Government to strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable communities in Benue State and end the cycle of violence that has plagued the region.
The Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, welcomed an international delegation attending the event. In addition to unveiling the memorial wall, the delegation distributed food and non-food relief materials to survivors and affected families.
Speaking during the ceremony, participants called for an immediate end to the persistent violence in the region and demanded the safe return of displaced residents to their ancestral homes.
For Franc Utoo, a Yelewata indigene living abroad, the memorial carries deep personal significance. Utoo lost more than 30 relatives in the attack and described the monument as an important symbol that will keep global attention focused on the ongoing security challenges facing the community.
The event also attracted prominent political figures, including Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, representatives of the Benue State House of Assembly, and several gubernatorial aspirants.
Reiterating the Pope’s message, Bishop Anagbe stressed the urgent need for decisive federal intervention to protect innocent lives and restore peace to affected communities.
One of the most emotional moments of the event came when schoolchildren displayed placards highlighting the human cost of the tragedy. Among them was a sign reading, “Nine Desks Now Empty in Our School,” a poignant reminder that 66 children were among those killed during the attack.
One year after the massacre, the Yelewata Genocide Memorial Monument now stands not only as a tribute to the victims but also as a symbol of remembrance, justice, and the community’s determination to ensure that those who lost their lives are never forgotten.
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