2025 Bloodbath: How Terror Attacks, Banditry, and Insurgency Killed Over 2,200 Nigerians Nationwide
Nigeria witnessed a grim wave of coordinated terror attacks in 2025, with violent incidents across multiple regions leaving more than 2,200 civilians dead within the first six months of the year alone, PulseNets learnt.
Findings obtained by PulseNets indicate a steep escalation in Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, widespread banditry in the North-West and North-Central, and an alarming surge in communal violence across the Middle Belt and parts of the South-South.
The security situation further deteriorated toward the end of the year, with no fewer than 82 people reportedly killed in December alone, according to data reviewed by PulseNets.
PulseNets reported that over two million Nigerians were abducted nationwide in 2025, primarily for ransom demands and, in some cases, alleged organ trafficking. The North-West and North-Central zones accounted for the highest number of abductions.
Yelewata Massacre, Benue State
On June 13, 2025, gunmen suspected to be armed Fulani herdsmen launched a deadly overnight assault on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing scores of unarmed farmers and traders.
PulseNets learnt that nearly 200 people were brutally murdered in a single night, an incident that plunged the country into mourning and dominated national discourse for over a week.
Information obtained by PulseNets revealed that earlier that day, security operatives successfully repelled the attackers when they attempted to storm St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where about 700 internally displaced persons were taking refuge.
However, the attackers later regrouped and invaded the Yelewata market square, where they reportedly set ablaze a building sheltering displaced families using petrol and other inflammable substances.
Witnesses told PulseNets that the assailants then opened indiscriminate fire in the area, where more than 500 people were sleeping, leading to mass casualties.
Several women and children were reportedly burned alive during the horrific attack, PulseNets gathered.
Zamfara: Bandits Kill 40 Abductees Despite Ransom
At least 40 abducted villagers were killed by bandits in Zamfara State on July 27, despite ransoms reportedly paid for their freedom.
PulseNets learnt that the victims were among 56 residents kidnapped in March from Banga village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, with the abductors demanding ₦1 million per captive.
Although ransom payments led to the release of 16 hostages, PulseNets reported that the remaining captives—including pregnant women—were brutally executed by the gunmen.
Boko Haram Attack Leaves Over 80 Dead in Borno
On September 3, Boko Haram insurgents attacked Darul Jamal community, a settlement hosting a military base along the Nigeria–Cameroon border in Borno State, killing over 80 people, including five Nigerian soldiers.
PulseNets gathered that the attack occurred shortly after residents returned to the community following years of displacement caused by insurgency.
Security sources told PulseNets that Nigerian Air Force fighter jets later carried out multiple airstrikes, neutralising at least 30 terrorists after receiving distress alerts from the area.
Plateau State Records Over 150 Deaths
No fewer than 150 civilians were killed in multiple terror-related attacks across Plateau State in 2025, PulseNets learnt.
In January, armed assailants attacked Mangu town, killing about 30 residents.
Another deadly assault followed in April in the Bokkos District, where approximately 53 people were killed and over 2,000 others displaced.
Similarly, in June, terrorists struck several communities in Riyom Local Government Area, killing at least 58 persons and forcing nearly 15,000 residents to flee their homes.
Kebbi School Attack: 24 Schoolgirls Abducted
On November 17, armed bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, abducting 24 schoolgirls.
PulseNets learnt that the vice principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was killed during the late-night invasion after attempting to shield students from the attackers.
Residents told PulseNets that the assailants operated without resistance, leaving the community traumatised.
The Federal Government later confirmed that all 24 abducted students had been rescued.
Kwara Church Attack Claims Eight Lives
On November 18, terrorists attacked a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) branch in Eruku town, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing at least eight worshippers and abducting several others, including the resident pastor.
A video obtained by PulseNets showed the moment the attackers stormed the church during a meeting and opened fire indiscriminately.
While several worshippers were killed on the spot, more than 50 others were abducted and taken to an unknown location.
The incident triggered nationwide fear, with many Nigerians reportedly avoiding public gatherings over security concerns.
Niger State: Over 300 Students Abducted from Catholic School
A total of 303 students and 12 teachers were abducted on November 21 when gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
PulseNets reported that the attackers arrived on motorcycles around 2:00 a.m., systematically moving from dormitory to dormitory before leading their captives into nearby forests.
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The incident sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate over school safety in Nigeria.
The Christian Association of Nigeria later disclosed that 50 students escaped during the raid, while others were taken away.
PulseNets learnt that all abducted students and teachers were eventually released, according to official updates released on Sunday, December 21.
