•Territorial Commander, The Salvation Army, Commissioner Friday Ayanam
The Territorial Commander (national leader) of The Salvation Army, Commissioner Friday Ayanam, has condemned in strong terms, the recent massive killings in Benue State of Nigeria.
The Frontier reports that last Friday, scores of residents in the Yelwata area in Benue State were killed and over 3,000 persons were displaced during an overnight attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Though the government put the number of slain persons at 59, civil rights groups claimed that about 200 deaths were recorded.
Reacting to the massacre in a statement signed by Major Daniel Ekong, spokesman of the organisation in Nigeria, and made available to The Frontier today, The Salvation Army Leader said, “Such acts of deliberate violence are not only inhumane but strike at the very heart of our shared humanity. They are an affront to the sacred value of life, which we believe is a divine gift from God, and a violation of the trust we hold to protect the people and resources entrusted to us.”
Commissioner Ayanam called on the government of Benue State and all relevant authorities to intensify efforts to ensure that those responsible for the killings are held accountable and that meaningful steps are taken to secure and uplift vulnerable communities.
He prayed the comfort of God’s presence to surround the grieving.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
Statement by Commissioner Friday Ayanam
Territorial Commander
The Salvation Army Nigeria Territory
Dated Friday, June 20, 2025
I strongly condemn the horrific massacre that claimed the lives of innocent men, women, and children in the communities of Yelwata and Daudu in Benue State. Such acts of deliberate violence are not only inhumane but strike at the very heart of our shared humanity. They are an affront to the sacred value of life, which we believe is a divine gift from God, and a violation of the trust we hold to protect the people and resources entrusted to us.
The Salvation Army stands firm in its belief that every human being deserves to live in peace and dignity. We grieve with the families and communities affected, and we raise our voices in solidarity with all who call for justice, healing, and the restoration of peace in Benue State and across Nigeria.
We urge the government of Benue State and all relevant authorities to intensify efforts to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that meaningful steps are taken to secure and uplift vulnerable communities. Justice delayed only deepens the wounds of those who mourn.
As we reflect on this tragedy, let us remember these wise words by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
This reminder calls us not to turn away, but to act — with compassion, conviction, and courage.
May the comfort of God’s presence surround the grieving. And as Proverbs 31:8-9 encourages us, may we all continue to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
This is our calling. This is our conviction. And this is our prayer: that God’s peace will reign in Benue, and across Nigeria — turning sorrow into hope, and pain into purpose.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Daniel Ekong
Major
Territorial Public Relations Secretary
