By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Benue State youths, protesting against the continued killings of innocent people in parts of the state by suspected killer herdsmen were on Sunday June 15, 2025 violently dispersed by security personnel.
This is just as Pope Leo XIV added his voice to the worldwide condemnation of the gruesome killing of no fewer than 200 persons in a dusk attack in Yelewata and Daudu communities, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected killer herdsmen.
While offering the Angelus prayers at the St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, the Catholic Pontiff expressed serious concern over the massacre of many innocent souls in parts of Benue state Nigeria.
While also praying for the victims of the senseless violence and killings, the Pope urged the Nigeria authorities and security agencies to ensure the reign of peace, security and justice.
The Pope noted that most of the victims of the Yelewata attacks were already displaced persons taking refuge at a local Catholic mission.
“I am praying for security, justice and peace in Nigeria.
In a special way, I am thinking of the rural Christian communities of Benue State who have been relentless victims of violence”, Pope Leo stated.
The Source reports that some suspected killer herdsmen on Friday night June 13, 2025, attacked residents of Yelewata and Daudu communities, in the Guma Local Council.
The attack left in its trail about 200 deaths mostly women and children who were said to be residing in Internally displaced persons IDP camps.
Last Friday night’s attack was yet in the series of dastardly violence visited on many parts of Benue state of recent by suspected killer herdsmen.
The attacks have resulted in the death of hundreds of people including women and children with several homes and properties razed.
Police, on Sunday morning fired several canisters of tear gas to break the rank of hundreds of irate youth who blocked the ever busy Makurdi/Abuja highway to show their disapproval of the ongoing massacre in the State.
Dressed in all black attires, carrying palm fronds and placards with different inscriptions, the protesting youth decried the persistent killings of innocent people in the State.
They also lamented the seemingly nonchalant attitude of both of the Federal Government and security agencies towards halting the orgy of violent attacks.
The protesters who converged at the Wurukum Roundabout of the Road particularly expressed deep concern over Friday’s violent attack in Yelewata and Daudu communities.
Instructively, the attack came on the heels of the killing of no fewer than 20 persons on Wednesday June 11, 2025 in Akondotyough Bawa, and Mtswenem in Makurdi local Council.
However, while addressing the irate youth, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, sued for calm and cooperation.
He appealed to the protesting youths not to do anything that can impede ongoing security operations.
He assured the youth that efforts are underway to combating the situation.
“Tell your people to calm down.We need the support of the youth and everybody in Benue state.
“This is a phase and we are passing through it already. We have already cut the head of the snake and we will get the peace that we deserve.
“Instead of being in the bush with other security agencies, we are here .If you prolong your actions ( protests) ,you are giving opportunity for the enemies plan. We have intelligence on their movement and we are blocking them”, CP Ifeanyi stated
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