The Mexican Episcopal Conference has sent a heartfelt condolence message to the people of Benue State following the massacre of over 200 Christians in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area on June 13, 2025.
In a statement jointly signed by Bishop Ramón Castro Castro, President of the Conference, and Bishop Héctor M. Pérez Villarreal, Secretary General, the Church leaders expressed profound dismay over what they described as an act of "inhuman violence" that cries out to heaven.
Details of the Massacre
According to reports, the victims were brutally murdered while they slept during armed attacks that included arson, bladed weapons, and summary executions. The incident has sent shockwaves across Nigeria and the international community.
"These events, marked by inhuman violence, cry out to heaven and move us as a Church to raise a burning prayer for the eternal rest of our brothers and sisters who lost their lives, for the speedy recovery of the wounded, and for the consolation of the families who have been torn apart by pain," the statement read.
Call for Prayer and Peace
The Mexican bishops have united with their counterparts in Nigeria and the entire African Church in this "jubilee year of hope" to pray for peace and strongly renew calls for an end to all war, persecution, and religious or ethnic violence.
They have invited all ecclesial communities in Mexico to join in prayer, offering Eucharists and holy hours in memory of the victims, whom they referred to as "the martyrs of Benue," and as a plea for the conversion of hearts hardened by hatred.
"May this time of grace lead us to contemplate with faith and trust the merciful face of Christ, Prince of Peace, so that His love may inspire us to work tirelessly for reconciliation, forgiveness, and true justice among peoples."
Government Response
In response to the massacre, the Nigerian Air Force has deployed additional air assets to Benue State. Meanwhile, Governor Alia of Benue State has warned against self-defense, advocating instead for community policing as a better solution to the security challenges in the state.
Primate Ayodele claimed to have called the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, 100 times to warn him about the impending attack, but his warnings were allegedly ignored.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives has also condemned the Benue crisis, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
The massacre occurred just days before President Tinubu's scheduled visit to the state, which has been further complicated by the closure of the Makurdi-Abuja road due to flooding.
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