Residents of Yelwata community in Benue State have renewed calls for urgent government protection and humanitarian assistance following a deadly attack that devastated the area last year, as Germany reaffirmed its support for Nigeria in addressing insecurity and promoting peaceful coexistence.
This was disclosed in Abuja on Tuesday by Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Thomas Rachel, after a fact-finding visit to affected communities and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
Rachel said his visit to Yelwata was deeply emotional, noting that survivors of the June 2025 attack, in which over 200 people were reportedly killed, expressed fear over their safety and uncertainty about returning to their homes.
He said many of the victims appealed for improved security, government support, and assistance that would enable them to rebuild their lives and eventually return to their ancestral communities.
According to him, insecurity remains a major concern in Nigeria, affecting both Christian and Muslim communities, who he described as sharing a common threat from extremist violence.
During his visit, Rachel met with victims, religious leaders, government officials, and displaced persons, observing widespread fear and hardship among affected populations.
He also raised concerns about broader human rights issues, including reports linked to the application of blasphemy laws in parts of northern Nigeria, which he said have led to rights violations and restrictions on religious freedom.
The German official highlighted that Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, including terrorist activities in the North-East and farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt.
He stressed the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and interfaith cooperation as key tools for achieving lasting peace in the country.
Rachel reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through diplomatic, economic, and peace-building efforts, including collaboration with international mediation organisations.
He, however, clarified that Germany would not deploy military forces but would continue providing advisory and training support to Nigerian security institutions.
The commissioner also described Nigeria as a key partner of Germany, emphasizing shared democratic values and the importance of protecting religious freedom as a foundation for peace and human dignity.
