Benue Killings: ‘Security, justice, peace will prevail’, Pope Leo prays for Nigeria

Pope Leo has offered heartfelt prayers for the victims of the recent massacre in Benue State, Nigeria, where nearly 200 people were reportedly killed in a brutal attack on rural communities.

Speaking before the Sunday Angelus prayer, the Pope expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as particularly harrowing. He noted that many of those killed were internally displaced persons being sheltered by a Catholic mission in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area.

He said, “During the night of June 13th to 14th, a horrific massacre took place in Yelwata, Guma LGA, Benue State, Nigeria. Around 200 people were killed with shocking brutality—most of them were internally displaced persons being cared for by the local Catholic mission.”

The pontiff voiced deep concern over the ongoing violence in Nigeria and prayed for the restoration of peace, justice, and security across the nation. He specifically highlighted the plight of rural Christian communities in Benue, who continue to suffer from repeated attacks.

“I pray that peace, justice, and security may be restored in Nigeria—a nation so dear, yet deeply scarred by persistent violence,” the Pope said. “I especially lift up in prayer the rural Christian communities in Benue State, who have long endured unrelenting violence.”

During his Angelus address, Pope Leo also remembered those affected by conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and the Middle East.