The Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese in Taraba State, Most Rev. Dr. Charles Hammawa, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to take decisive action against the perpetrators of the recent mass killings in Yelwata, Guma local government council of Benue State.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Jalingo, Bishop Hammawa lamented the continued bloodshed in Benue despite repeated appeals and high profile visits, including President Tinubu’s recent condolence visit to the state.

“It is disheartening that despite repeated appeals and visits by top government officials, the killings continue unabated. The people of Benue and the entire Middle Belt are not just statistics. They are fellow Nigerians deserving of protection, dignity, and peace,” Hammawa said

While acknowledging the President’s condolence visit, the bishop stressed that words alone are no longer sufficient.

“We appreciate the President’s visit, but condolences and promises, no matter how sincere, are not enough. What is urgently needed is visible, concrete action and a comprehensive strategy to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace in the affected communities,” he stated.

The bishop condemned the massacre in Yelwata and neighboring communities, where over 100 people, including women, children, and the elderly, were reportedly killed. He expressed the Church’s solidarity with the victims and their families.

“In this painful moment, we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Benue. We offer our heartfelt prayers for the souls of the departed, healing for the injured, and comfort for grieving families,” he added.

Hammawa further called on security agencies and all relevant authorities to act with courage, compassion and a firm commitment to justice.

“The state must not abdicate its responsibility. The culture of impunity must end. Those who have committed crimes against humanity must be held accountable, regardless of their identity or affiliation,” he declared.

The cleric also urged religious leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to rise above division and unite in the pursuit of peace and justice.

Pastor Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor, Dunamis International Gospel Centre, DIGC, Worldwide, has said that robust political will remains the solution to end senseless killings across the country.

Pastor Enenche stated this while addressing newsmen on Wednesday, at Yelewata Town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, stressing that there was no single justification for the killings which claimed scores of lives on June 14.

According to the cleric, the country needs a strong political will to end the ongoing senseless killings across the country, especially the Yelewata Town attack.

Enenche added that the solution to the killings lies with the country’s leadership, adding that the government at all levels must develop a strong political will to end it.

“The solution to this type of issue is the will in the hearts of the leadership of our nation, both at the federal and state levels.

“Leadership that has the will to do the right thing and that has the heart of the people should put anything political aside and look at realities on the ground.

“And to value human lives above every other consideration and do what is right, in the interest of the people, in the interest of their consciences and, in fact, that one day everybody will stand before God to give account of their lives to God,” he said.

The senior pastor reiterated that the people would continue to trust God for the nation’s leadership to demonstrate compassion for her citizens, adding that that he was in the state to sympathise with his people, especially those in Yelewata Town, who were attacked and killed in their deep sleep.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the North, has mourned the death of the Plateau State Chairman of the association, Rev. Fr. Dr. Polycarp Lubo.

Fr. Lubo died in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness resulting from injuries he sustained in a recent accident.

A statement issued by the Northern CAN Chairman, Rev Joseph John Hayab, said the late Catholic priest was a courageous and devoted servant of God who lived for truth, justice, peace, and the protection of the vulnerable.

Hayab stated, “His declaration during the Plateau Peace Walk that ‘we deserve to live’ captured the collective cry of victims of violence, displacement, and injustice in Plateau and across Nigeria.”

He explained that the late priest also played a key role in interfaith collaboration, working with other faith leaders under the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development to promote immunization and support the eradication of polio in Nigeria.

Hayab noted, “Fr. Lubo brought financial accountability and administrative strength to the association in his role as treasurer, his passing has created a significant void within the Northern Christian community.”

The Northern CAN extended its heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, the Plateau State CAN leadership, his parishioners, and the broader Christian family.

It urged security agencies and government institutions to honour Fr. Lubo’s legacy by intensifying efforts to safeguard lives and promote justice across Plateau State and beyond.

Until his death, Fr. Lubo served as the Parish Priest of St. William’s Catholic Church, Zawan, where he was widely known for his humility, jovial spirit, and cross-community engagement.