Nigeria unveils first memorial to Christians killed by Islamists

The unveiling of the memorial to Christians killed in Yelwata. Photo: Christian Today

Nigeria’s first-ever memorial dedicated to victims of religious persecution has been unveiled in Benue State, bearing the names of 270 Christians murdered by Islamist extremists, according to the Christian Post.

The monument was erected in the town of Yelwata, the site of last year’s Father's Day massacre carried out by Islamist militants. Hundreds of men, women, and children were killed in the attack.

The memorial was established by the missionary organization Equipping the Persecuted. According to the group’s founder, Judd Saul, the names of the victims were carved in stone so that the world would never forget their witness of faith and so that the persecution of Christians would be brought to an end.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by survivors of the massacre and representatives of various religious communities. Humanitarian aid was also distributed during the event, as more than 3,000 people were displaced from their homes as a result of Islamist attacks in the area.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Nigerian authorities arrested 33 militants accused of killing worshippers in a church.

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