On Sunday, Pope Leo offered prayers for the people who died in the tragic killings in Yelwata, Benue State, Nigeria.

Before giving the Angelus prayer on June 15, the Pope spoke about the heartbreaking attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where about 200 people lost their lives.

Reports say the killings were carried out by suspected herdsmen between the night of Friday, June 13, and the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Pope Leo explained that many of the victims were already displaced from their homes and were staying in shelters provided by the Catholic Church in the area.

He prayed for peace, justice, and safety in Nigeria and mentioned that he was especially thinking of the Christian communities in rural Benue State, who have faced repeated attacks.

Amnesty International Nigeria also reacted to the attack. On Saturday, they called on the Nigerian government to stop the frequent bloodshed in Benue State and ensure the real attackers are brought to justice.