U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) expressed his disappointment Saturday over reports coming out of Nigeria of gunmen killing over 100 individuals he identified as Christians.
The attack took place from the late evening on Friday and into Saturday afternoon in a village in Nigeria's central Benue state, according to Amnesty International, which said there has been "almost daily bloodshed in Benue state."
"The horrifying killing of over 100 people by gunmen that invaded Yelewata; from late Friday into the early hours of Saturday 14 June 2025, shows the security measures government claims to be implementing in the state are not working," the human rights group said on X. "Many people are still missing, aside dozens injured and left without adequate medical care. Many families were locked up and burnt inside their bedrooms. So many bodies were burnt beyond recognition."
Some reports out of Nigeria suggest the number of dead may be up to 200. Reports also state the killings are suspected to have been conducted by members of the Lakurawa, an affiliate of the Islamic State, Sahel Province, a militant Islamist group. The conflict in the areas has escalated in recent months due to land disputes between farmers and cattle herders.
Aderholt responded to the attacks on Saturday, imploring the world not to ignore the increasing violence towards Christians ongoing in the world.
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