Pope Leo has voiced his grief and concern over the recent massacre in Benue State, Nigeria, where approximately 200 people lost their lives. Speaking before the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the Pope referred to the incident as a “terrible massacre” that occurred in Yelwata, within the Guma Local Government Area, on the night spanning June 13 to 14.
He noted that the majority of those killed were internally displaced persons who had been “sheltered by the local Catholic mission,” highlighting the tragic vulnerability of displaced populations amid ongoing violence. This massacre adds to the growing toll of conflict in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
In his prayer, Pope Leo called for “security, justice, and peace” across Nigeria, with a special focus on the “rural Christian communities of the Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence.” His appeal underscores the persistent insecurity and suffering faced by these communities.
The crisis in Benue and surrounding areas has attracted increasing international concern, as attacks on farming communities continue to cause displacement and loss of life. Various human rights organizations have condemned the violence and urged stronger government action.
Amnesty International Nigeria, in a statement released on Saturday, demanded that the Nigerian government “immediately end the almost daily bloodshed in Benue State and bring the actual perpetrators to justice.” The organization pointed to a “deepening failure of the state to protect vulnerable communities,” especially those already displaced by previous violence.
