NEWS PROVIDED BY
Equipping the Persecuted
June 16, 2026
YELWATA, Benue State, Nigeria, June 16, 2026 /Christian Newswire/ — In a landmark moment for Nigeria and for persecuted Christian communities worldwide, the missionaries serving with Equipping the Persecuted unveiled the nation’s first full Christian‑themed monument dedicated to victims of religious persecution.
The memorial, now standing in the heart of Yelwata, honors the more than 270 men, women, and children who were brutally murdered one year ago during the June 13, 2025 Father’s Day Yelwata Massacre. Their names have been permanently engraved in stone, ensuring that their lives — and their faith — will never be forgotten.
This historic monument is an act of bravery in a country largely regarded as the most dangerous modern-day nation for Christians.
“Their names are now engraved in stone so they will never be forgotten,” said Judd Saul, the founder of Equipping the Persecuted. “This monument stands as a testament to their lives, their faith, and our commitment to ensure the world remembers what happened. The persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ must stop.”
The dedication ceremony brought together survivors, local leaders, faith communities, and humanitarian partners. Equipping The Persecuted also distributed critical humanitarian aid to survivors still living in displacement camps and struggling to rebuild their lives after the attack.
For many families, the monument represents both closure and hope — a physical declaration that their loved ones mattered and that their stories will endure. The Yelwata memorial now stands as a symbol of resilience, remembrance, and unwavering faith. It calls on the global community to acknowledge the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria and to take action to protect vulnerable communities.
“Thank you to everyone who helped make this memorial possible and who continues to stand with the persecuted Church,” said Saul.
More photos of the event can be found here.
SOURCE Equipping the Persecuted
CONTACT: press@equippingthepersecuted.org