Pope Leo XIV has urged the Nigerian government to urgently safeguard vulnerable communities in Benue State from ongoing violent attacks.
The appeal was made during the inauguration of a 14-foot memorial wall marking the first anniversary of victims killed in Yelewata on June 13, 2025.
In a statement delivered on his behalf by the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Wilfred Anagbe, Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with the people of Yelewata and assured them of continued prayers, while also calling on leaders across political and party lines to work together in finding lasting solutions to the insecurity affecting Benue State.
The memorial structure, completed and unveiled through the efforts of American missionaries led by Judd Saul, also included the distribution of relief materials such as food and other essential supplies.
The initiative forms part of wider international efforts aimed at supporting communities affected by recurring attacks in different parts of Nigeria.
The names of 271 victims were engraved on the wall, comprising 122 men, 83 women, and 66 children who lost their lives in the incident.
Yelewata: Pope Leo XIV urges FG to protect vulnerable Benue communities