The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has called on the Federal Government to take decisive steps to protect vulnerable communities in Benue State from the persistent attacks that have continued to claim lives and displace residents.
The Pope’s message was delivered during a solemn ceremony marking the first anniversary of the tragic killings in Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The event featured the unveiling of a 14-foot memorial wall erected in honour of the 271 victims who lost their lives during the June 13, 2025 attack.
Represented by the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with the people of Yelewata and assured them of the Church’s continued prayers and support during this difficult period. He stressed the need for urgent and practical measures to end the cycle of violence affecting communities across Benue State and other parts of Nigeria.
According to the message, the Pope called on political leaders at all levels to move beyond rhetoric and work collectively towards implementing lasting solutions that would guarantee the safety and security of innocent citizens.
The memorial wall was constructed and commissioned by a group of American missionaries led by Judd Saul. In addition to the monument, the missionaries donated relief materials, including food and non-food items, to support families affected by the attack and other vulnerable residents in the area.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Anagbe reiterated the need for government authorities to prioritize the protection of rural communities that continue to suffer repeated attacks. He noted that the memorial serves not only as a tribute to those who lost their lives but also as a reminder of the urgent need to prevent future tragedies.
The one-year remembrance ceremony attracted religious leaders, community members, humanitarian workers, and other stakeholders who gathered to honour the victims and renew calls for peace, justice, and security in Benue State.
The initiative forms part of broader international efforts aimed at drawing attention to the plight of vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable solutions to insecurity across Nigeria.
