🙏 Pope Leo Decries Benue Massacre, Offers Prayers for Peace in Nigeria
Pope Leo XIV has joined global voices in condemning the horrific killing of over 200 people in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, by suspected armed herdsmen.
The Roman Catholic Pontiff offered his Sunday Angelus prayers for the victims, most of whom were internally displaced persons (IDPs) being sheltered by a local Catholic mission.
“I pray for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria,” Pope Leo declared during his address, posted by Vatican News on X (formerly Twitter).
The Pope expressed deep sorrow for the “terrible massacre”, stating that his thoughts were especially with the rural Christian communities in Benue, who have long suffered from relentless violence.
📽️ Watch the Full Statement
⚖️ Amnesty International Responds
In response to the bloodshed, Amnesty International Nigeria issued a statement on Saturday urging the Nigerian government to end the ongoing violence in Benue and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately end the almost daily bloodshed in Benue State,” the human rights body declared.
