Pope Leo has expressed deep sorrow and offered prayers for the victims of the recent horrific massacre that took place in Benue State, Nigeria. Reports indicate that approximately 200 people lost their lives in a brutal attack targeting rural communities.
The pontiff’s heartfelt message came just before the Sunday Angelus prayer, highlighting the grave nature of this tragedy.
In his address, Pope Leo detailed the circumstances of the attack, stating, “On the night of June 13th to 14th, in the town of Yelwata located within the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, a terrible massacre unfolded.
Around 200 individuals were killed with extreme cruelty. Most of the victims were internally displaced persons who had sought refuge at a local Catholic mission.” This emphasizes the vulnerability of those affected, many of whom were already displaced by earlier conflicts.
The Pope continued by praying for security and justice in Nigeria, a nation that has suffered greatly from various forms of violence over the years. “I fervently hope that peace will soon prevail in this beloved country,” he said, underscoring the urgency for healing and reconciliation.
He also extended a special prayer for the rural Christian communities in Benue State, who have long endured continuous violence and hardship.
The massacre at Yelwata is a grim reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing parts of Nigeria, particularly rural areas where vulnerable populations often become targets of violence.
In response to this tragic incident, Amnesty International Nigeria also urged Nigerian authorities to take immediate action. The human rights organization called for an end to the near-daily violence plaguing Benue State and demanded that those responsible for the killings be brought to justice without delay.