Pope and US condemn brutal killing of Christians in Nigerian church

Pope Leo XIV and the State Department have both strongly condemned the recent massacre of 200 people in Yelewata, a Christian village in Nigeria’s Benue State. The attack, carried out by Islamist Fulani terrorists, saw villagers being shot while they were asleep and their homes being set ablaze.

According to reports, the attackers shouted “Allahu Akbar” as they set fire to buildings and attacked people with guns and machetes. The majority of the victims were sheltering in a Catholic sanctuary, highlighting the brutal and targeted nature of the attack on the Christian community in the region.

The State Department spokesperson reiterated the condemnation of the attacks on Christians in Nigeria, which are believed to be carried out by Islamic militant groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa. Nigeria has been identified as one of the most dangerous places for Christians, with a significant number of the global Christian deaths reported in the country.

The attacks on Christians in Nigeria are part of a broader campaign by extremist groups to establish Islamic dominance in the region. The State Department emphasized the need for effective action to address the rise in violent extremism and protect vulnerable communities in Nigeria.

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who had previously appealed to lawmakers for the protection of Christians in Nigeria, faced threats and attacks on his village following his testimony. The bishop is now in hiding due to credible threats against his life.

The Nigerian government has been urged to intensify efforts to protect civilians, enforce the rule of law, and hold perpetrators accountable for the attacks. President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State and calls for lasting peace come in the wake of continued violence in the region, with six more people reported to have been killed on the same day.

The international community, including the Vatican and the United States, has called for action to address the escalating violence against Christians in Nigeria. The need for security, peace, and justice for rural Christian communities in Benue State remains a top priority as the country grapples with the threat of terrorism and religious persecution.