Nigeria has charged nine individuals in connection with the 2025 massacre that resulted in the deaths of 150 people

Nigerian prosecutors on Monday brought 57 terrorism-related charges against nine men linked to a deadly attack on the Yelwata community in central Benue state, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 150 individuals in June 2025.

Benue is located in Nigeria’s unstable Middle Belt, serving as the dividing line between the Muslim north and Christian south. Years of conflict surrounding land, religion, and ethnicity have been challenging for the authorities to control.

The charges, submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja, allege that the defendants conducted planning meetings, gathered funds, acquired weapons, and mobilized fighters across multiple states in preparation for the June 13 attack, which stands as one of the most lethal rural assaults in recent years.

The document states that ringleader Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono and others convened in the neighboring Nasarawa state to gather funds, issue directives, and enlist fighters. A number of defendants face accusations of supplying AK-47s, assisting the gunmen, or offering secure locations for planning activities.

Prosecutors report that the raid set homes ablaze and resulted in significant casualties in Yelwata, located in Benue’s Guma district.

Nigeria faces significant challenges due to Islamist attacks and mass kidnappings, intensifying the pressure to enhance security following accusations from U.S. President Donald Trump last year regarding its inability to safeguard Christians. On December 25, U.S. forces conducted strikes on what they identified as terrorist targets. Nigerian authorities have stated that they are working in collaboration with Washington to enhance security measures.