By our reporter
The bloody happenings in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria, triggered international worry as Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo, today offered prayers for victims of what he described as a “terrible massacre” in the state.
The state is still reeling from murderous attacks by suspected heavily armed Fulani herdsmen, with the latest incident being the gruesome killing of over 200 persons in Yelwata town, Guma Local Government Area (LGA). Reports claimed that entire families were wiped out during the attack which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, June 14.
Angry youths in the state consequently protected the many unresolved killings by the herdsmen in the state and the perceived official inaction, or little action, against the trend.
Delivering his Sunday Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, Rome, Pope Leo noted that most of the victims were internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltered at a local Catholic mission in the area, pointing out that this made the incident even more horrifying.
The Pope listed justice, peace and security as among his prayer points for Nigeria generally –same issues that have, time and again, been underscored by different groups and prominent Nigerians who seek a stable and balanced country, as much needed in the polity.
The Pope said: “I am praying for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria.
“In a special way, I am thinking of the rural Christian communities of Benue State, who have been relentless victims of violence.”
