Germany backs Nigeria on security, urges protection for Benue community after deadly attack

Residents of Yelwata in Benue State have renewed calls for urgent protection and humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of last year’s deadly assault, as Germany reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s efforts to tackle insecurity and promote peaceful coexistence.

Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Thomas Rachel, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja after visiting affected communities and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

Reflecting on his visit to Yelwata, Rachel said the experience left a deep impression on him, noting that survivors of the June 2025 attack—where more than 200 Christians were killed—remain fearful about their safety and future.

“I am still moved by my visit to Yelwata, the village where a massacre took place in June 2025. More than 200 Christians were killed there.

“The people with whom I spoke, they asked for safety. They asked what the government can do. They asked for support for living, and they want to have a chance to return from IDPs, from internally displaced persons, to their ancestral homes,” he said.

Yelwata, located about 7km from Makurdi in Guma Local Government Area, was attacked in the early hours of June 13, 2025, by heavily armed assailants, leaving hundreds dead and displacing thousands. The farming community, which had already sheltered people fleeing earlier violence, saw widespread destruction of homes and injuries to many residents.

Rachel described insecurity as a major concern across Nigeria, stressing that extremist violence affects both Christians and Muslims.

“You see that Christians and Muslims have a common enemy. These are the terrorists. So let me express my full solidarity with Nigeria,” he said.

During his assessment visit, the German envoy met with victims, religious leaders, and government officials, noting widespread anxiety among displaced populations.

“I spoke with Muslim people, with Christians, with humanist representatives. I visited the IDP camp international market in Makurdi. I spoke with victims, and you can feel that they are not sure if they have a perspective for their life and this makes me sad,” he added.

He also raised concerns about alleged human rights violations tied to the enforcement of blasphemy laws in parts of northern Nigeria.

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“We heard about the concerns of quite a lot of people about the partial application of blasphemy laws in certain northern states, which leads to severe violations of human rights, as well as the freedom of religion and belief,” he said.

Highlighting the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges, Rachel pointed to insurgency in the North and farmer-herder clashes in the Middle Belt as major drivers of violence.

“We have the conflicts between farmers and especially external herders in the middle belt and in the northern part they are killed by Boko Haram and ISWAP so it’s a real terroristic problem,” he explained.

He emphasised that dialogue and mutual respect among religious groups are critical to resolving the crisis, while reaffirming Germany’s partnership with Nigeria.

“Nigeria is one of our key partners on this continent, and furthermore, Nigeria and Germany share important values. Both countries are democracies. They are free societies. Germany remains fully committed to protecting and promoting the freedom of religion and belief.

“You know, we have the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 80, which says that every person can believe and have religion and pray and worship whatever he or she wants, or change the religion, or have no religion at all. This is a fundamental right, which is the basis of the human rights of the United Nations, and it’s also important because the freedom of religion and belief is an indicator for human dignity, for stability in a country, and also for peace in a country.

“I realise that Nigeria is probably the most religious country I have ever seen, perhaps in the world. The people live with religion, and I think this is really impressive.”

Rachel added that Germany would continue supporting Nigeria through political, economic, and peacebuilding initiatives, including mediation efforts with organisations such as the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

“It is very important that you work for respect, respectful going along between these religions, and that you fight against those who take and misuse religious aspects to give argument for their attacks,” he said.

> On military cooperation, he clarified that Germany’s role would remain advisory rather than operational.
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> “We have some people from our so-called Bundeswehr who recommend and train the military of Nigeria. We will not act in any military way in Nigeria. Nigeria is a strong country,” he said.
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> Reaffirming the importance of unity, Rachel stressed that overcoming fear among citizens remains central to achieving lasting peace.
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> “And I think as long as the people have fear, it’s still a challenge for the whole country, and that means also for the government,” he added.
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