Pope Leo on Sunday offered prayers for the victims of what he described as a “terrible massacre” in Benue State, Nigeria.
Over 200 people were reportedly brutally killed in the Yelewata community of Guma Local Government Area in one of the latest incidents of herdsmen attacks in the state.
Speaking during his Sunday Angelus prayer, the pontiff said most of the victims were internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had sought shelter at a local Catholic mission in the area, making the attack even more horrifying.
“I am praying for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria,” Pope Leo said from St. Peter’s Square.
“In a special way, I am thinking of the rural Christian communities of Benue State, who have been relentless victims of violence.”