- Safiu Kehinde
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV has prayed for victims of the latest massacre in Benue State.
NPO Reported that the tragic incident, which occured in the early hours of Saturday at Yelewata town in Guma local government areas of the state, claimed multiple lives.
While the total number of casualties was not officially confirmed, over 100 people were reportedly killed during the attack.
Pope Leo, in a statement issued on Sunday and shared on X by the Vatican, expressed his thoughts for the victims who were internally displaced people hosted by a local Catholic mission.
He prayed for security, justice and peace prevail in Nigeria, especially the rural Christian communities in Benue State.
“On the night of 13th/14th June 2025, in the town of Yelewata, in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State in Nigeria, a terrible massacre took place in which around 200 people were killed with extreme cruelty most of whom were internally displaced persons hosted by the local Catholic mission.
“I pray that security, justice and peace prevail in Nigeria, a beloved country so affected by various forms of violence.
“I pray in particular for rural Christian communities in Benue State who have been victims of violent acts.” The Pope said.
Benue State has witnessed series of multiple attacks and mass killings in the past six months.
NPO Reported the death of over 43 people killed during the invasion of two communities in Gwer West and Apa LGAs by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen earlier this month.
Prior to that, a total of 17 people were killed at Ukum and Logo LGAs with several others injured in Easter attack by the assailants.