Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to prosecute those responsible for renewed violence against Christian communities and to strengthen security in affected areas.
In a statement issued on Friday, Meloni condemned the attacks and stressed that freedom of religion must be protected. “We strongly condemn the renewed violence against Christian communities in Nigeria today. Religious freedom is an inalienable right: we call on the Nigerian government to strengthen the protection of Christian communities and all religious communities and prosecute those responsible for this heinous attack. Italy expresses its closeness to the victims and communities in Nigeria that today feel in danger because of their religious beliefs,” she wrote.
Her remarks follow a series of violent incidents targeting Christians, including the recent kidnapping of worshippers in Kwara State. Gunmen attacked a church in the Eruku area on Tuesday evening, killing at least two people and kidnapping the pastor and several worshippers, according to police and witnesses. The attack came just days after twenty five girls were abducted from a boarding school in Kebbi State.
The latest incident has intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation. The government also faces international pressure, including from United States President Donald Trump, who has accused Nigerian authorities of failing to protect Christians.
Following widespread outrage over the attacks, President Bola Tinubu postponed a planned trip to South Africa and Angola for the G20 and AU EU summits to receive security briefings. He directed security agencies “to do everything possible” to rescue the abducted schoolgirls “and bring the girls back home safe,” according to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
Reports from local sources allege that the gunmen who attacked the Kwara church have demanded a ransom of three billion naira. A community leader, the Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, said the abductors had begun contacting families.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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