Roman Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, has offered heartfelt prayers for victims of the recent massacre in Benue State, Nigeria, where suspected armed herdsmen reportedly killed around 200 people in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.
The Pope’s message was shared via the X handle of the Vatican News, under the caption: “Pope Leo prays for the victims of a ‘terrible massacre’ in Benue State, Nigeria.”
According to the statement, the Pope expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing the victims as “brutally killed,” with many of them being internally displaced persons who had sought refuge at a local Catholic mission.
Addressing the global faithful just before delivering the Sunday Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV said:
“I pray for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria,”
emphasizing his concern for the “rural Christian communities of the Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence.”
In the wake of the massacre, Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned the bloodshed, urging the Nigerian government to act swiftly.
“Authorities must immediately end the almost daily bloodshed in Benue State and bring the actual perpetrators to justice,” the group said on Saturday.
What you should know
The Pope’s public prayer marks a significant global acknowledgment of the ongoing violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. His appeal for peace comes as human rights organizations intensify pressure on Nigerian authorities to protect vulnerable communities and ensure justice for victims.
