6/19/2025 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — More than 200 people are believed dead following an attack on a Catholic mission in Yelwata, Nigeria, on June 13, causing the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to renew its call for Nigeria to be designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). 

The attack is the latest to occur across Nigeria and has been called the “worst killing spree” in the country to date. The attacks were carried out by the Islamist Fulani militias, where militants entered the mission shouting “Allahu Akhbar” before setting fire to doorways and shooting sleeping people, many of whom were internally displaced persons (IDPs).   

At least 100 people have been confirmed dead, with later data collected by the Diocese of Makurdi’s Foundation for Justice, Development, and Peace (FJDP) estimating the total number dead to be around 200, making it the worst attack in the region during this surge of violent attacks.  

“What I saw was truly gruesome,” said Father Jonathan, Yelewata’s town priest. “People were slaughtered. Corpses were scattered everywhere …. Some [bodies were] burned beyond recognition — infants, children, mothers, and fathers just wiped out.” 

Following the brutal attack, USCIRF called on the U.S. Department of State to classify Nigeria as a CPC, saying the increased violence threatens religious freedom in the country. During the last three months, churches have been targeted in many attacks.  

USCIRF Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi called on the U.S. government to use foreign assistance to promote better protection of religious communities, ensuring that all Nigerians enjoy freedom of religion. 

“The abhorrent violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and the systematic, ongoing, and egregious attacks throughout Nigeria against Christians and Muslims are indications that government prevention efforts are failing and not protecting vulnerable religious communities,” USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler said. “U.S. government foreign assistance to Nigeria should efficiently and effectively support efforts to protect religious freedom.” 

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