Pope Leo XIV Prays for Victims of "Terrible Massacre" in Nigeria's Benue State
Pope Leo XIV prays for the victims of a brutal massacre in Nigeria’s Benue State, where over 200 people were killed. Vatican urges peace, justice, and safety for rural Christian communities.
Enet
Pope Leo XIV, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has prayed for the victims of a brutal massacre in Nigeria’s Benue State. The attack targeted innocent people, mainly in rural Christian communities, and is believed to have been carried out by suspected armed herdsmen.
Vatican News posted the story on its X account with the headline: “Pope Leo prays for the victims of a ‘terrible massacre’ in Benue State, Nigeria.”
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The report said that about 200 people were killed in Yelwata, in Guma Local Government Area, during the night of June 13th and 14th. Most of those killed were internally displaced persons staying at the local Catholic mission.
Before leading the Sunday Angelus prayer, the Pope asked for peace, justice, and safety in Nigeria. He voiced particular concern for rural Christian communities in Benue State. These communities have suffered repeated violence and attacks.
In response to the violence, Amnesty International Nigeria on Saturday urged the Nigerian government to put an end to the ongoing bloodshed in Benue State. The group called for justice for those responsible for the attacks.
