Pope Leo has offered prayers for the victims of what he described as a "terrible massacre" in Benue State, where over 200 people were reportedly killed in the Yelewata community of Guma Local Government Area.
Speaking during his Sunday Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Square, the pontiff expressed particular concern that most of the victims were internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had sought refuge at a local Catholic mission in the area.
"I am praying for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria," Pope Leo said. "In a special way, I am thinking of the rural Christian communities of Benue State, who have been relentless victims of violence."
Ongoing Violence in Benue
The attack in Yelewata represents one of the latest incidents of herdsmen violence in Benue State, which has experienced recurring conflicts between farming communities and herders over the years.
Local reports indicate that security forces engaged in a prolonged firefight with the attackers. According to the Benue Police Commissioner, officers exchanged gunfire with the perpetrators for over six hours during the incident.
The massacre has sparked protests in Makurdi, the state capital, with angry youths expressing frustration over the continued killings. In some instances, protesters reportedly confronted police officials, with tensions running high as residents demand better security measures.
Meanwhile, authorities have reported the arrest of 33 persons from the North in Makurdi in connection with the killings in Benue.
Calls for Improved Security
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged security agencies to reevaluate their strategy around the Benue-Nasarawa corridor, highlighting the need for more effective measures to protect vulnerable communities.
The Bauchi government has also initiated its June 2025 immunization campaign, targeting 2.2 million children, as part of broader efforts to address health concerns in the region amid the security challenges.
The Yelewata massacre underscores the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria's Middle Belt region, where communal clashes have resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements over the past decade.
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