Pope Leo XIV Condemns Benue Massacre Before Tinubu Reacts
Pope Denounces Attack During Angelus Prayer
Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday, publicly condemned the horrific massacre in the Yelewata community of Benue State, where suspected herdsmen unleashed a brutal overnight attack. Entire families, including toddlers, were reportedly burned alive between Friday and Saturday in what has been described as one of the deadliest recent assaults on civilians.
Speaking minutes before the Angelus prayer, the Pope expressed deep sorrow over the bloodshed, particularly as many of the victims were internally displaced Nigerians receiving shelter and support from the Catholic Church.
Call for Justice and Security
The pontiff urged President Bola Tinubu’s government to ensure justice is served, stressing the need for peace and security in Nigeria’s rural communities. “Security, peace, and justice must prevail,” he said, while pledging continued prayers for the Christian communities of Benue who have “relentlessly suffered violence.”
The Pope’s statement, released at about 2:00 p.m. WAT, quickly made waves online, sparking conversations across Nigeria.
Tinubu’s Late Response Triggers Backlash
President Tinubu did not immediately respond to the killings. It wasn’t until 9:38 p.m. on Sunday that the presidency issued a statement condemning the attack and urging security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
However, the timing of the president’s statement drew sharp criticism from Nigerians, many of whom expressed frustration that a global religious leader in Rome responded to the tragedy before their own leader did.
Critics pointed out the president’s apparent double standards in showing swifter sympathy for foreign tragedies than for domestic violence.
Social Media Outrage
On X (formerly Twitter), Nigerians expressed their anger and dismay:
“You were quick to send condolences to India. Benue is bleeding under your nose,” wrote user @AJ.
“Has the mediocre president of Nigeria ever said anything about the killings by bandits and terrorists killing our people and soldiers?” asked @GFCLASIS. “@narendramodi, please remind @officialABAT that charity begins from home.”
“Can you see an insensitive and misplaced priority president of a country?” added user Ola Michael. “200 people [were] just killed in his country, and he has not said a word of condolence to their family members, neither has he visited the state but he is condoling the India president.”
The attack in Yelewata adds to the long list of unresolved massacres in Benue State, often attributed to armed herdsmen, with survivors and local leaders pleading for stronger federal action.
