Pope Leo calls for peace amidst Benue killings

Pope Leo XIV has said a prayer for the people of Benue over the recent killings in the state.

On June 14, over 100 people were reportedly killed in attacks by suspected herdsmen in Yelewata and Daudu communities, in Guma LGA of Benue state.

The attack comes less than 48 hours after the killing of 25 people in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi LGA.

Reports indicate that many internally displaced persons (IDPs) and farmers were killed, with some reportedly burned alive in makeshift shelters.

Speaking just before delivering the Sunday Angelus prayer, the pope prayed for Nigeria, adding that he was particularly thinking of the “rural Christian communities of the Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence”.

“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,” he said.

Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the federal capital territory (FCT) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against the attacks in Benue.