Raphael Kanu
Global condemnation has trailed the recent massacre of more than 200 people in Yelewata, Benue State, Nigeria, as both the Vatican and the United States government strongly denounce the brutal attack believed to have been carried out by Islamist militants.
Pope Leo XIV, addressing thousands at the Vatican, decried the “extraordinary cruelty” with which the victims—mostly displaced persons sheltering at a Catholic sanctuary—were killed. “Most of the victims were internal refugees, hosted by a local Catholic mission,” the pontiff said, calling for prayers for “security, peace, and justice,” particularly for the rural Christian communities in Benue State who, he noted, have suffered relentless violence.
The massacre, which occurred on June 13, reportedly targeted farming communities in Yelewata, a predominantly Christian town. According to a report by NGO Aid to the Church in Need, the attackers shouted “Allahu Akbar” (Arabic for “God is great”) as they set buildings ablaze and assaulted civilians with firearms and machetes. Victims were reportedly trapped inside buildings that were doused in fuel and set on fire before gunmen opened fire.
Late Monday, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told Fox News Digital, “We strongly condemn these increasing attacks, including recent massacres in Benue State which primarily targeted farming villages.” The statement further emphasized U.S. concern over extremist violence being perpetuated by groups like Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, particularly in northern and central Nigeria.
Benue State has become a recurring target for extremist attacks this year. Open Doors International, in its 2025 World Watch List, named Nigeria the most dangerous country in the world for Christians, accounting for 69% of all Christian deaths globally in the past year—3,100 out of 4,476.
The U.S. State Department, stated: “Violent extremist groups target a wide range of civilian and military targets as part of their broader campaign against a secular state. The increase in violent Islamic extremism and repeated attacks against vulnerable communities in Nigeria must be addressed more effectively.”
The Vatican’s condemnation comes just weeks after Nigerian Bishop Wilfred Anagbe testified before the U.S. Congress, appealing for an end to Christian killings. Following his appearance, he said at least 20 parishioners were killed in a string of attacks in his diocese, prompting him to go into hiding after receiving warnings from foreign embassies about threats to his life.
The U.S. further urged Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to protect civilians, enforce the rule of law, and bring perpetrators to justice. “The United States partners with the Government of Nigeria to strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism capabilities, working together toward the elimination of terrorist organizations and their networks of support,” the State Department spokesperson said.
The Nigerian federal government has remained largely silent on the incident, with no official statement released. However, President Bola Tinubu did visit Benue State this past week. Speaking to journalists, he said: “Let’s fashion out a framework for lasting peace.”
Despite the President’s visit, violence in the region continues unabated. On the same day of his tour, six additional deaths were reported in the same district.
As the international community continues to raise alarm, the urgent need for credible action and lasting solutions to sectarian violence in Nigeria remains more pressing than ever.