Residents of Yelwata community in Benue State have renewed calls for urgent government protection and humanitarian assistance following a deadly attack that left scores dead and thousands displaced.
This comes as Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing insecurity and promoting peaceful coexistence across affected regions.
Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Thomas Rachel, made this known during a press briefing in Abuja after visiting communities impacted by violence, including internally displaced persons camps.
Reflecting on his visit, Rachel described the situation in Yelwata as deeply distressing, noting that survivors of the June 2025 attack continue to live in fear and uncertainty.
“My visit to Yelwata was very emotional. The people I met are asking for safety, for support, and for a chance to return to their homes,” he said.
Yelwata, a farming community in Guma Local Government Area, was attacked in June 2025 by armed assailants, leaving more than 200 people dead. The incident also displaced about 3,000 residents, many of whom are yet to return to their homes.
The attack forms part of a broader pattern of violence affecting parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt and North-East regions.
Rachel stressed that insecurity in Nigeria cuts across religious lines, noting that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from extremist violence.
“Christians and Muslims share a common enemy in terrorism. I want to express Germany’s solidarity with Nigeria in confronting this challenge,” he stated.
During his visit, the German official met with victims, religious leaders, and community representatives, observing widespread fear among displaced populations.
“You can feel the uncertainty among the people. Many are unsure about their future, and that is deeply troubling,” he added.
He also raised concerns about alleged human rights violations linked to the enforcement of blasphemy laws in some northern states, warning that such practices could undermine freedom of religion and belief.
Rachel highlighted the complexity of Nigeria’s security situation, pointing to insurgency in the North and clashes between farmers and herders in the Middle Belt as major drivers of violence.
“There are multiple layers to the crisis, from terrorist activities to communal conflicts. These issues require careful and coordinated responses,” he said.
Emphasising the need for dialogue, he called for mutual respect among religious and ethnic groups as a pathway to lasting peace.
“Promoting understanding and respect between different communities is essential. Religion should not be used as a justification for violence,” he noted.
On military cooperation, Rachel clarified that Germany would not deploy troops to Nigeria but would continue to provide advisory and training support through its armed forces.
“Nigeria is capable of handling its security challenges. Our role is to support through training and cooperation, not direct military involvement,” he explained.
He reaffirmed Germany’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria, stressing that unity and collaboration remain key to overcoming the country’s security challenges.
“As long as people continue to live in fear, it remains a serious concern for the nation. Addressing this requires collective effort from both the government and the people,” Rachel said.
