Pope Leo Prays for Victims of Benue Massacre, Condemns Brutality
Pope Leo has offered prayers and expressed deep sorrow over the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 200 people, mostly internally displaced persons (IDPs), were reportedly killed by suspected armed assailants.
During his Sunday Angelus address at the Vatican on June 15, 2025, the Pope described the killings as a “terrible massacre” and called for peace, security, and justice for Nigeria’s rural Christian communities. He emphasized the inhumane nature of the attack, noting that many victims were already displaced and had taken refuge at a Catholic mission in the area.
“I pray for the victims of the terrible massacre that occurred in Nigeria, where over 200 people many of them displaced persons who had taken shelter in a Catholic mission were killed,” Pope Leo said. “May the Lord receive them in His peace, comfort their families, and bring peace to that tormented region.”
The massacre reportedly took place overnight between June 13 and 14, as heavily armed men stormed the community and opened fire, killing hundreds and leaving several others injured. The victims were largely farmers and families who had fled earlier attacks and were residing in makeshift shelters provided by the church.
Eyewitnesses and local officials described the attack as one of the deadliest in recent years in the conflict-ridden Middle Belt region of Nigeria. Amnesty International and other rights groups have condemned the violence, calling for thorough investigations and accountability.
Pope Leo’s message adds to the growing international outcry and shines a spotlight on the persistent insecurity faced by vulnerable communities in Benue and across northern and central Nigeria.
The Nigerian government is yet to release an official death toll, but security agencies have been deployed to the area as investigations continue.
The Pope ended his message with an appeal to all parties to reject violence and work toward dialogue and reconciliation.
