Pope Leo Condemns Benue Massacre, Prays For Victims
Pope Leo XIV has condemned the recent killings in Benue State, describing the incident as a “terrible massacre” in which mostly displaced civilians were murdered with “extreme cruelty”.
Delivering his remarks before the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the pontiff expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Nigeria and the suffering of affected communities.
The Pope prayed for “security, justice, and peace” to prevail in the country and offered special intercession for the rural Christian communities in Benue, whom he described as “relentless victims of violence.”
The attack occurred in Yelwata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa states, where suspected herdsmen reportedly stormed the community late Friday night.
The Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Maurice Orwough, confirmed the incident, stating that dozens had been killed and over 26 others hospitalised.
Orwough told Channels Television that the assailants struck around 11:30 p.m., overpowering a small detachment of four soldiers posted in the area.
“They initially attempted to attack Daudu, but were repelled by the military. Sadly, they later regrouped and moved towards Yelwata, where over 100 armed herdsmen opened fire on civilians,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, also condemned the killings.
In a statement on X, he said, “I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of the fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost. These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscore the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation.”
He called for a transparent investigation, enhanced security presence, and immediate humanitarian support for the affected communities, including medical and trauma care. “This is not just a local tragedy; it is a national emergency,” Atiku added.
Angry Youths Protest
Youths protesting the killings in Benue
The massacre has triggered protests in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. On Sunday, angry youths converged at the Wurukum food basket roundabout, demanding justice and condemning what they described as silence from both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Activist Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), joined the demonstrators.
One of the protesters, Solomon Amande, told journalists, “Women, children, the elderly – our people are being slaughtered, and there’s no word from the president or our own governor.”
The protest escalated when the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, attempted to address the crowd but was rejected by the youths, who insisted on hearing directly from Governor Alia. Security forces eventually fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
In response, Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, condemned the Yelwata attack and assured residents of the government’s commitment to restoring order.
“Federal tactical units have been deployed to Benue, with further reinforcements expected. The state’s joint operations are being strengthened, and we remain committed to defending the lives and properties of all residents,” the statement read.
The renewed attacks come on the heels of a series of unresolved massacres in April, which claimed the lives of over 150 people across Benue and Plateau states.
President Tinubu Reacts
President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to implement his earlier directive to bring lasting peace and security to Benue State.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday night, President Tinubu renewed his order in the wake of the latest round of reprisal attacks that led to the death of many people in the North-Central State.
He said pursaunt to the president’s directive, intelligence chiefs, the police and the military have arrived in the state to direct security operations and restore sanity.
President Tinubu equally charged the governor of Benue State, Hycinth Alia, with convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the incessant bloodshed and bring lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between farmers, herders, and communities.
Describing the killings and bloodletting as inhuman and anti-progress, President Tinubu called on political leaders and community leaders in conflict areas to stop fuelling the crisis through unguarded utterances and statements that could further inflame tensions.
“They should also rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks.
“The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough.
“I have directed the security agencies to act decisively and arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict and prosecute them.
“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.
“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue. Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice,” the President stated.
