German Envoy Visits Yelwata After 2025 Massacre

On April 28, 2026, German Envoy Rachel conducted a fact-finding visit to Yelwata, located 7 km north of Makurdi in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State. This visit followed a deadly attack on June 13, 2025, where 100 armed assailants invaded the farming community, resulting in the deaths of approximately 200 individuals and displacing around 3,000 people.

During her visit, Rachel noted the palpable fear among the displaced population and raised concerns about alleged human rights violations linked to enforced blasphemy laws in northern states. She highlighted the broader security challenges in Nigeria, particularly the conflict between farmers and herders in the Middle Belt.

Rachel stressed the importance of dialogue, mutual respect among religious groups, and adherence to global human rights standards as pathways to peace. She clarified that Germany would not deploy troops to Nigeria but would continue to provide advisory and training support.