Pope Leo Reacts to Benue Killings, Prays For Victims
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned the recent killings in Benue State, describing the incident as a “terrible massacre” in which mostly displaced civilians were murdered with “extreme cruelty.”
Speaking at the Vatican before the Sunday Angelus prayer, the Pope expressed deep concern over the persistent violence in Nigeria and the suffering of its communities.
He offered prayers for “security, justice, and peace” across the country and extended special intercession to the rural Christian communities in Benue, whom he referred to as “relentless victims of violence.”
The latest attack occurred in Yelwata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa states. Suspected armed herdsmen reportedly stormed the area late Friday night.
Maurice Orwough, Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, confirmed the attack, stating that dozens were killed and more than 26 others were hospitalized.
According to Orwough, the assailants launched the assault around 11:30 p.m., overwhelming a small military unit of just four soldiers stationed nearby. “They initially tried to attack Daudu but were repelled by the military. Unfortunately, they later regrouped and moved towards Yelwata, where over 100 armed herdsmen opened fire on civilians,” he said.
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, also condemned the attack in a statement posted on X.
“I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost. These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, highlight the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation,” Atiku said.
He called for a transparent investigation, increased security presence, and immediate humanitarian relief—including medical and trauma care—for the victims. “This is not just a local tragedy; it is a national emergency,” he added.
The massacre has sparked widespread outrage and protests in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. On Sunday, angry youths gathered at the Wurukum Food Basket roundabout, demanding justice and criticizing what they described as a lack of response from President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Popular activist Martin Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), joined the protest.
Speaking to journalists, one protester, Solomon Amande, said, “Women, children, the elderly—our people are being slaughtered, and there’s no word from the president or our own governor.”
Tensions escalated when Deputy Governor Sam Ode attempted to address the crowd but was rebuffed by demonstrators who insisted on hearing directly from Governor Alia. Security forces later dispersed the protest using tear gas.
In an official statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Governor Alia condemned the Yelwata killings and assured residents that steps were being taken to restore order.
“Federal tactical units have been deployed to Benue, with additional reinforcements expected. The state’s joint operations are being strengthened, and we remain committed to protecting the lives and properties of all residents,” the statement read.
This attack follows a series of deadly incidents in April that claimed the lives of more than 150 people across Benue and Plateau states, adding to growing concerns over the government’s ability to curb the rising tide of violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
