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Bloodbath in Benue: Amnesty International Calls on Nigerian Government to End Killings, Prosecute Perpetrators
Bloodbath in Benue: Amnesty International Calls on Nigerian Government to End Killings, Prosecute Perpetrators
The global human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has issued a strong call to the Nigerian authorities to urgently halt the ongoing bloodshed in Benue State, following the recent massacre of over 100 people in Yelewata community.
According to Amnesty, the attack, which began late Friday, June 13, and continued into the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025, is yet another stark reminder that the Nigerian government’s security strategy in the state is failing.
“The horrifying killing of over 100 people by gunmen that invaded Yelewata… shows the security measures government claims to be implementing in the state are not working,” Amnesty International said in a statement.
Survivors of the attack recount a night of unimaginable horror. Many families, according to eyewitnesses, were locked inside their homes and set ablaze. Charred remains of victims, including children and elderly residents, littered the community by dawn. Dozens of others sustained life-threatening injuries, many of whom are yet to receive adequate medical attention. Scores are still missing, raising fears that the actual death toll may rise significantly in the coming days.
The attack on Yelewata is just the latest in a disturbing pattern of deadly violence sweeping across Benue State in recent years. Amnesty International said it has been documenting the increasing frequency and brutality of attacks carried out by gunmen, often referred to locally as bandits or unidentified armed herders.
“These killings have been carried out with utter impunity,” the organization said. “The Nigerian authorities’ failure to stem the violence is costing people their lives and livelihoods.”
The organization warned that if the federal government continues to treat these attacks with what it described as “institutional indifference,” the crisis could deepen further.
Amnesty expressed particular concern about the impact of the violence on the region’s already fragile food security. Most of the victims of the attacks are rural farmers, whose displacement is already disrupting agricultural activities across several local government areas in the state.
“Massive displacement caused by the attacks is threatening the livelihoods of thousands and may worsen the food crisis,” the organization warned.
In Yelewata, residents described how attackers stormed the village in large numbers, wielding firearms, machetes, and petrol bombs. Local sources said the assault was carried out with a level of coordination that suggests a premeditated plan and, possibly, external support or internal sabotage.
One eyewitness told reporters that the attackers moved from house to house, shooting indiscriminately and setting buildings on fire. “People were screaming, begging for their lives, but the gunmen didn’t care. They set homes ablaze with people inside,” the witness said.
Despite these repeated atrocities, Amnesty noted that little to no progress has been made in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Communities remain vulnerable, with little protection from law enforcement or the military.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately end the almost daily bloodshed in Benue state and bring the actual perpetrators to justice,” Amnesty’s statement read.
The human rights body called for an independent investigation into the Yelewata massacre and previous attacks in the region. It emphasized the need for transparency, justice for victims, and accountability for those who fail in their duty to protect the citizens.
The Benue State Government has yet to provide a full casualty figure or comment on the latest killings at the time of this report. However, community leaders and civil society organizations have continued to raise the alarm, urging both state and federal governments to act swiftly.
Security experts and analysts have long warned that the Nigerian government’s reactive approach to violence in the Middle Belt region is unsustainable. Without a proactive, intelligence-led strategy that addresses both immediate security concerns and the underlying issues—such as land use conflicts, displacement, and ethnic tensions—the violence is likely to escalate further.
Meanwhile, families in Yelewata are left to mourn their dead, search for the missing, and piece together what remains of their shattered lives. For them, justice seems like a distant hope in a nation where impunity has often been the rule rather than the exception.
Amnesty International’s renewed appeal places the spotlight once more on President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its commitment to ending insecurity in the country. As communities continue to count their dead, all eyes will be on Abuja—waiting to see if action will follow this time.
Diaspora Watch Newspaper is pleased to announce the release of its 98th edition, presenting readers with another rich blend of impactful stories, insightful analyses and inspiring human-interest features from across the world.
Leading this edition is the heartwarming cover story, “Godchildren Honour Emmanuel and Joy Ojiribe at 40th Anniversary Celebration in US,” which chronicles the remarkable legacy of love, faith, mentorship and family built over four decades by the celebrated couple, culminating in a memorable celebration attended by loved ones and admirers.
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The edition also brings readers up to speed on major international developments, including US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an Intel-Apple chip deal, Ghana’s move towards a local takeover of Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mine, CARICOM’s renewed commitment to improving citizens’ lives under incoming Chair Pierre, the possibility of cocoa prices rising above $10,000 per tonne once again, a comprehensive 14-Point Roadmap to De-escalation and Reconstruction, Singapore’s impressive 38.4 per cent growth in non-oil exports driven by artificial intelligence, and warnings from Kew scientists that AI and digitalization could play a crucial role in preventing global plant extinction.
On the back page, readers will find the inspiring story of Adenugba, who has been honored with the African Diaspora Fashion Platform Award, recognizing excellence, creativity and outstanding contributions to fashion within the global African diaspora community.
As always, Diaspora Watch Newspaper remains committed to delivering credible journalism, promoting African excellence, strengthening diaspora engagement and providing readers with balanced perspectives on global affairs, business, innovation and development.
The 98th edition is now available to readers across print and digital platforms. We invite everyone to pick up a copy and stay informed on the stories shaping Africa, the diaspora and the wider world.
SpaceX to join Nasdaq-100 index July 7
SpaceX will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index on July 7, following confirmation by exchange operator Nasdaq, a move expected to trigger a surge in passive investment into the aerospace and artificial intelligence company.
The inclusion means exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles that track the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 Index will be required to purchase SpaceX shares, a development that typically boosts demand and supports a company’s stock price.
SpaceX, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, made its Nasdaq debut on June 12 and has experienced volatile financial performance in recent years, alternating between periods of losses and modest profits.
The company reported a net loss of $4.9bn in its most recent financial year, underscoring the challenges it continues to face despite strong investor interest in its space technology and artificial intelligence businesses.
The company’s addition to the index comes after Nasdaq, alongside other major index providers including FTSE Russell and MSCI, eased some of its listing eligibility requirements in an effort to attract more companies seeking to list on U.S. exchanges.
The revised criteria include changes to profitability requirements, the waiting period after a company’s initial public offering and the number of publicly traded shares required for inclusion in certain indices.
Meanwhile, S&P Global has maintained a more cautious approach.
The index provider said earlier this month that it would not alter its eligibility requirements for SpaceX to join its flagship indices, including the benchmark S&P 500.
According to S&P Global, the company will not be considered for inclusion in the S&P 500 until it has been publicly listed for at least 12 months.
The development comes as other leading artificial intelligence firms, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are widely expected to pursue initial public offerings either later this year or in 2027, with analysts projecting valuations exceeding $1tn.
Uzodimma Backs FLAC, Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Cancer
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the First Ladies Against Cancer, FLAC Nigeria, while calling on Nigerians to join efforts to combat cancer through increased awareness, early detection and sustained advocacy.
The governor made the pledge during a courtesy visit by members of FLAC and later at a gala night organised in their honour at the Government House in Owerri.
Speaking at the event, Uzodimma commended the organisation for its humanitarian interventions and contributions to improving cancer prevention, treatment and care across the country.
“I am excited to host you in Imo State and I commend your humanitarian services in Nigeria,” the governor said, assuring the delegation of his administration’s continued support for the organisation’s programmes.
He described Imo as the hospitality capital of the South-East and welcomed the delegates on behalf of the state government and people, assuring them of their safety during their stay.
The event also featured emotional testimonies from cancer survivors, including men, women and children, who recounted their experiences with the disease while encouraging Nigerians to embrace early screening and treatment.
Addressing guests at the gala night, Uzodimma stressed that the fight against cancer requires collective action, public education and efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with the disease.
He also lauded the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for its investments in cancer prevention, treatment and palliative care, urging Nigerians to support ongoing reforms in the health sector.
“We need a new Nigeria where everyone participates in nation-building,” the governor said, adding that early detection remains critical to improving survival rates among cancer patients.
Earlier, the Chairperson of FLAC Nigeria and wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma, said the delegation visited to appreciate the governor for his consistent support for the organisation’s advocacy and activities.
She explained that FLAC, whose membership comprises serving and former first ladies across the country, marks Cancer Survivors Month every June to celebrate survivors, inspire hope and raise awareness about the disease.
She described the governor as “a special friend of FLAC” and presented him with an award on behalf of the organisation in recognition of his support for its mission.
The gala night featured musical performances, a fashion parade by cancer survivors, comedy, cake cutting, presentation of gifts to survivors and a fundraising session to support the organisation’s advocacy programmes.
Mrs Uzodimma disclosed that more than N100m was raised during the fundraising to support FLAC’s ongoing cancer awareness and advocacy initiatives.
The delegation included the wives of the governors of Adamawa, Zamfara and Ogun states, Hajia Lami Fintiri, Hajia Huriyya Lawal and Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; immediate past FLAC Chairperson, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu; former First Lady of Niger State, Dr Amina Abubakar; and former First Lady of Oyo State and ambassador-designate, Dr Florence Ajumobi, among other dignitaries.
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 98
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Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
