Pope Leo Prays for Victims of Brutal Massacre in Benue State, Nigeria

VATICAN CITY – On Sunday, June 15, 2025, Pope Leo delivered a heartfelt plea for peace and justice in Nigeria, following a horrific massacre in Benue State that claimed the lives of approximately 200 people. The attack, which occurred on the night of June 13-14 in Yelwata, within the Guma Local Government Area, targeted a vulnerable community of internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltered by a local Catholic mission. Speaking just before the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer in Vatican City, the Pope expressed profound sorrow for the victims and called for an end to the relentless violence plaguing the region.

The massacre in Yelwata is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have disproportionately affected rural Christian communities in Benue State. According to reports, most of the victims were IDPs who had sought refuge at the Catholic mission, hoping for safety amid ongoing unrest in the region. The Pope described the killings as a “terrible massacre,” emphasizing the need for “security, justice, and peace” in Nigeria. He specifically highlighted the plight of Benue’s rural Christian communities, which he noted have been “relentless victims of violence” for far too long.

In his remarks, Pope Leo offered prayers for the souls of the deceased, as well as for their families and the broader community affected by the tragedy. He urged Nigerian authorities and the international community to take decisive action to address the root causes of such violence and to protect vulnerable populations. The Pope’s call for peace underscored his ongoing commitment to advocating for marginalized communities facing persecution and violence worldwide.

Amnesty International Nigeria responded swiftly to the attack, issuing a statement on Saturday, June 14, 2025, condemning the violence and calling for immediate action. The organization demanded that Nigerian authorities “immediately end the almost daily bloodshed in Benue State and bring the actual perpetrators to justice.” The statement highlighted the alarming frequency of violent incidents in the region, noting that such attacks have become a near-daily occurrence, leaving communities in a state of constant fear and instability.

Benue State, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has long been a flashpoint for violence, often attributed to clashes between herders and farmers, as well as attacks by armed groups. These conflicts have displaced thousands, many of whom rely on humanitarian aid and local missions for survival. The targeting of a Catholic mission in Yelwata has drawn particular attention to the vulnerability of religious institutions, which often serve as sanctuaries for those fleeing violence.

The Pope’s remarks and Amnesty International’s statement have renewed calls for urgent intervention to address the escalating crisis in Benue State. Both local and international observers are pressing for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of civilians, deliver justice for victims, and foster lasting peace in the region. As Nigeria grapples with this latest tragedy, the international community is urged to stand in solidarity with the people of Benue and support efforts to end the cycle of violence.

Pope Leo concluded his address by inviting those gathered for the Angelus to join him in a moment of silent prayer for the victims and for peace in Nigeria. His words serve as a poignant reminder of the human toll of ongoing conflicts and the urgent need for collective action to protect the most vulnerable.