Pope Leo offers prayers for Benue attack victims, calls for peace in Nigeria

Pope Leo XIV has offered heartfelt prayers for the people of Benue State following the recent tragic attacks that claimed over 100 lives in Yelewata and Daudu communities of Guma Local Government Area.

The pope, speaking before delivering the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican, expressed deep sorrow over the violence and prayed for lasting peace and justice in Nigeria.

Pope Leo specifically mentioned the rural Christian communities of Benue, noting that they have been relentless victims of brutal attacks.

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

The recent attack, which came just 48 hours after another deadly assault in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities of Makurdi LGA, left many dead, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and farmers, with several reportedly burned alive in makeshift shelters.

In response, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the FCT also called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent and decisive action to address the escalating violence in Benue and other vulnerable regions.