“May Justice, Peace Prevail in Nigeria” — Pope Leo Prays for Benue After Deadly Attacks

Pope Leo XIV has offered heartfelt prayers for the people of Benue State following a wave of deadly attacks that have left scores dead. Speaking during his Sunday Angelus address, the pontiff expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in the region, particularly highlighting the plight of rural Christian communities.

The Pope’s remarks came in the wake of coordinated attacks on June 14 in the Yelewata and Daudu communities of Guma Local Government Area, where over 100 people were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen. The tragedy followed closely on the heels of another assault less than 48 hours earlier in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi LGA, which claimed 25 lives. Victims reportedly included internally displaced persons and farmers, some of whom were burned alive in makeshift shelters.

“I pray that security, justice and peace will prevail in Nigeria, a beloved country so affected by various forms of violence,” Pope Leo said. “I pray in a special way for the rural communities in Benue state who have been unceasingly the victims of violence.”

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory also responded to the attacks, calling on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent and decisive action to stop the ongoing bloodshed in Benue.