In a profound demonstration of pastoral care, His Lordship Most Rev. William Avenya, the Catholic Bishop of Gboko Diocese, has visited the devastated community of Yelewata, offering solace and solidarity to a people reeling from a brutal massacre.

 

The attack, which occurred on the night of June 14, 2025, claimed the lives of numerous residents, including five members of a single family, among them the mother and relatives of Rev. Fr. Martin Tsegba, a priest of the diocese.

 

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Bishop Avenya’s visit comes as new information reveals the horrifying scale of the tragedy. Initial reports suggested a death toll of around 59, but local media and human rights organizations, citing detailed lists of victims and data collected by the Diocese of Makurdi’s Foundation for Justice, Development, and Peace (FJDP), now estimate the fatalities in Yelewata to be significantly higher, with some reports indicating as many as 100 to 200 lives lost.

 

During his visit, the grieving father of Fr. Martin Tsegba led Bishop Avenya through the charred remains of what was once their home, now a poignant symbol of sorrow and irreplaceable loss. The Bishop witnessed firsthand the widespread destruction and the immense grief gripping the community.

The attack on Yelewata, suspected to be carried out by armed assailants tied to herder communities, saw attackers lay siege to the community for over two hours, setting fire to homes and attacking fleeing residents with machetes. Many of the victims were internally displaced people who had sought refuge in Yelewata, believing it to be a safer location after fleeing previous attacks in other parts of Benue State.

 

The Yelewata massacre has sparked widespread condemnation and protests across Benue State, with citizens demanding an end to the incessant killings and calling for justice and accountability from both federal and state governments.

 

The Pope himself has prayed for the victims of this “terrible massacre,” particularly the rural Christian communities of Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence.

 

The Catholic Church, through organizations like Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) and the Diocese of Makurdi’s FJDP, is actively involved in providing aid and support to the wounded, traumatized, and displaced survivors. Local clergy, including Father Ukuma Jonathan Angbianbee, described the scene as “truly gruesome,” with “corpses scattered everywhere.”

 

The visit of Bishop Avenya underscores the deep impact of the violence on the spiritual leaders and their flocks, as the Catholic Church continues to mourn and advocate for peace and protection for the people of Benue State.