Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned the recent killings in Benue State, describing the attack as a “terrible massacre” in which mostly displaced civilians were slaughtered with “extreme cruelty.” Speaking from the Vatican during his Sunday Angelus address, the Pope expressed deep concern over the persistent violence in Nigeria and the suffering endured by its communities.
He offered prayers for “security, justice, and peace” to be restored in the country, with a special intercession for rural Christian communities in Benue, whom he described as “relentless victims of violence.”
The deadly attack took place in Yelwata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa states, when suspected armed herdsmen stormed the area late Friday night. According to Maurice Orwough, Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, dozens were killed, and more than 26 others were left injured and hospitalised. Orwough told Channels Television that the assailants struck around 11:30 p.m., overwhelming a small military post manned by just four soldiers.
“They initially tried to attack Daudu but were repelled by the military. Unfortunately, they regrouped and advanced toward Yelwata, where over 100 armed herdsmen opened fire on civilians,” he reported.
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, also reacted to the incident. In a statement posted on X, he said: “I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost. These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, highlight the worsening insecurity crisis in our nation.”
He called for a transparent investigation, a bolstered security presence, and immediate humanitarian aid, including medical and trauma support for the victims. “This is not just a local tragedy; it is a national emergency,” he added.
The massacre has ignited public outrage, leading to protests in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. On Sunday, angry youths gathered at the Wurukum Food Basket Roundabout, demanding justice and criticising what they described as silence from both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia. Among the demonstrators was activist Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
One protester, Solomon Amande, lamented to reporters: “Women, children, the elderly—our people are being slaughtered, and there’s no word from the president or our own governor.”
Tensions rose further when the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, tried to address the crowd but was rejected by the demonstrators, who insisted on hearing directly from Governor Alia. Security operatives eventually used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
In response, Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, condemned the Yelwata killings and reassured citizens of the government’s resolve to restore security.
“Federal tactical units have been deployed to Benue, with more reinforcements on the way. Joint security operations are being strengthened, and we remain committed to protecting lives and property across the state,” the statement read.
This latest violence follows a series of unresolved attacks in April that claimed more than 150 lives across Benue and Plateau States, deepening the security crisis in the region.
