The Village That Was Erased in One Night: Why a Survivor of the Yelewata Massacre Must Be Heard at CPAC — Before More Villages Disappear Reported by Enock Damidami, social media manager | Journalist at Sele Media Africa March 23, 2026 |

Special Report

They came in the night.By the time the sun rose over Yelewata on June 14, 2025, the village had been transformed into a graveyard. Three hundred and twenty-one people were dead — among them 34 members of lawyer Franc Utoo’s extended family, and 287 of his kinsmen.Homes were destroyed. Futures were erased.

A community that had existed for generations was, in a matter of hours, brought to its knees by armed militants who came not to negotiate, but to kill.This was not the first attack of its kind in Nigeria. And perhaps most disturbingly — it was not unusual.

Yelewata Is Not an Isolated

What makes Yelewata different is not the scale of tragedy — but the growing insistence that the world must finally pay attention.“Farmer-Herder Clashes” — A Contested NarrativeFor years, a dominant explanation has framed the violence as

“Farmer-herder clashes,”

suggesting competition over land and resources.Critics argue that this framing oversimplifies a far more complex and deadly reality.Survivors like Franc Utoo reject the narrative outright, describing the attacks as coordinated and targeted.“This is not mere farmer-herder clashes,” he has stated. “It is a deliberate and systematic attempt to destroy communities.”Analysts point to recurring patterns: night raids, destruction of homes and places of worship, and the lack of consistent prosecutions. Whether viewed through the lens of resource conflict, criminality, or deeper ethno-religious tensions, one fact remains clear — the violence has persisted with alarming frequency and limited accountability.

A Region Crying Out for Global Attention.

The Middle Belt is not without voices. Religious leaders, community heads, and civil society groups have repeatedly raised alarms. Survivors have shared testimonies. Advocacy groups have documented cases.Yet these voices often struggle to break into global discourse.For many affected communities, the challenge is not only survival — but visibility.That is why the emergence of figures like Franc Utoo is significant. As both a legal professional and a survivor, he represents a bridge between lived experience and international advocacy.

Why Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Matters.

The Conservative Political Action Conference — widely known as CPAC — is one of the most influential gatherings in American conservative politics.It serves as a platform where policymakers, activists, and influential voices shape political narratives and priorities. U.S. presidents, senators, and global figures have used CPAC to define positions on international issues, including human rights and religious freedom.For a survivor from Yelewata to speak in that space is not merely symbolic — it is strategic.It places a local tragedy within a global policy conversation.It transforms a village’s story into an international concern.And it challenges decision-makers to confront a crisis that has long remained on the margins of global awareness.

The Urgency of Now:

While debates continue — over terminology, responsibility, and solutions — the reality on the ground remains urgent.Communities are still vulnerable. Displacement continues. Fear persists.The story of Yelewata is not just about what happened on one night in June 2025. It is about what could happen again — in another village, under another cover of darkness — if meaningful attention and intervention do not follow.A Message to Nigerians — and the WorldYelewata is not just a place. It is a warning.From Lagos to Kano, from Port Harcourt to rural communities across the Middle Belt, the implications of such violence extend far beyond one region.The destruction of any community is a national concern.As Franc Utoo prepares to speak on an international stage, the question is no longer whether the story will be told.The question is whether it will finally be heard — and acted upon.

Conclusion The tragedy of Yelewata represents a critical moment in Nigeria’s ongoing security and humanitarian challenges.Its significance now extends beyond national borders, entering global political discourse through platforms like CPAC.Whether that attention leads to meaningful change remains to be seen.But one thing is certain: silence is no longer an option.SourcesLocal eyewitness testimonies and survivor accounts Reports from Nigerian civil society Organization International human rights monitoring Group Regional security briefings and conflict Analyses.

TagsNigeria crisis, Yelewata massacre, Middle Belt violence, Benue killings, religious conflict Nigeria.

Enock Damidami

Enock Damidami is a Social Media Manager and Journalist at Sele Media Africa, originally from Niger State, Nigeria. He is currently pursuing an NCE in Mathematics and Computer Studies, combining analytical discipline with digital media strategy to strengthen newsroom performance and regional coverage. Passionate about youth leadership and societal transformation, Enock is an aspiring problem solver committed to responsible journalism, civic impact, and the belief that nothing good comes easy—but through persistence, excellence, and prayer, every meaningful goal is achievable.

www.selemedia.org