Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called on the Nigerian government to prosecute those responsible for attacks on Christians and to strengthen security measures in Christian communities across the country.
In a statement on Friday, Meloni condemned the recent wave of violence, emphasizing that religious freedom is a fundamental human right:
“We strongly condemn the renewed violence against Christian communities in Nigeria. Religious freedom is an inalienable right. We call on the Nigerian government to strengthen the protection of Christian communities and all religious groups, and to prosecute those responsible for these heinous attacks.
Italy expresses its solidarity with the victims and communities in Nigeria, who today feel threatened because of their faith.”
Her comments follow renewed reports of attacks on Christian communities, including a church assault in Eruku, Kwara State, on Tuesday evening.
Gunmen killed at least two worshippers and kidnapped the pastor along with several congregants, police and eyewitnesses said.
The attack occurred just days after 25 girls were abducted from a boarding school in Kebbi State.
The Kwara incident has intensified pressure on the Nigerian government. President Bola Tinubu postponed a planned trip to South Africa and Angola for the G20 and AU-EU summits to receive security briefings on both attacks.
His office said he also ordered enhanced measures to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of victims.
“Security agencies have been directed to do everything possible to rescue the kidnapped schoolgirls and bring them home safely,” said Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
The gunmen who attacked the Eruku church have reportedly demanded a ₦3 billion ransom for the release of the kidnapped pastor and worshippers.
Chief Olusegun Olukotun, a community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, whose four relatives were among those kidnapped, confirmed that the bandits had begun contacting families for ransom negotiations.
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