Roman Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo has condemned what he called “terrible massacre” in Benue State, Nigeria.

He offered prayers for the victims, demanding that justice and peace should reign.

Ugamatv reports that at least 200 people, including IDPs and security operatives were murdered in a gruesome manner by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Yelewata community, Benue State.

It has been attracting outrage from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.

And speaking during his Sunday Angelus prayer, the Pope said most of the victims were internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had sought shelter at a local Catholic mission in the area, making the attack even more horrifying.

“I am praying for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria,” Pope Leo said from St. Peter’s Square.

“In a special way, I am thinking of the rural Christian communities of Benue State, who have been relentless victims of violence.”

Meanwhile, hours after the Pope’s comment, the Nigerian Government finally spoke, attributing the killings to reprisal attacks.

It urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to reconcile disputing groups, apparently farmers and herders.