Benue killings: Pope Leo calls attacks “terrible massacre”, prays for victims

Pope Leo has expressed deep sorrow over the gruesome killing of nearly 200 people in Benue State, Nigeria, offering heartfelt prayers for the victims and their grieving communities. The massacre occurred in the town of Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where internally displaced persons (IDPs) seeking refuge at a Catholic mission were brutally attacked.

Speaking during his Sunday Angelus prayer, the pontiff described the incident as a horrific act of violence against already vulnerable people. “A terrible massacre occurred… most of whom were internally displaced persons hosted by the local Catholic mission,” he said, drawing global attention to the suffering in Benue.

The Pope offered special prayers for Nigeria, urging the restoration of peace, justice, and security across the nation. He specifically mentioned the plight of rural Christian communities in Benue, who have repeatedly faced unprovoked violence over the years.

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“I pray that security, justice, and peace will prevail in Nigeria, a beloved country so affected by various forms of violence,” the Pope added. His statement highlights the continued concern from the Vatican over Nigeria’s spiralling security challenges.

Pope Leo also extended his prayers to other conflict-hit regions, including Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, and the Middle East, underscoring the Church’s call for global solidarity and peace amid rising humanitarian crises.

His remarks come amid mounting outrage and calls for urgent intervention to halt the carnage in Benue and other vulnerable regions of Nigeria.