Pope Francis Urges Buhari to Stop the Rising Spate of Wanton Killings in Nigeria

Pope Francis has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the wanton killing of innocent citizens across Nigeria. He said he is saddened about the armed attacks that led to the loss of 34 lives in Kaduna on Sunday. Eyewitnesses also said more than 20 houses were burnt down by bandits during the attacks.

The Catholic pontiff said he has prayed for those who lost their lives in the attacks, but urged the Nigerian government to do more to protect lives and property.

“I learnt with pain the news of the armed attacks that took place last Sunday against the villages of Madamai Abun in Northern Nigeria,” Francis said. “I pray for those who have died, for the injured and for the entire Nigerian population. I hope that the country always guarantees the safety of all its citizens.”

The Holy Father said every Nigerian citizen should feel safe in their country. He said there can be no peace unless the government takes proactive actions to guarantee safety for all. He noted that security has become porous in Nigeria and that armed bandits and religious terrorists are having a field day in the country.

Earlier this year, the pope also lent his voice to condemn the kidnapping of more than 300 students of Government Girls Secondary School in Zamfara State. He said armed attacks on innocent people should not be treated with kid’s gloves and urged the presidency to stop the trend.

As terrorists terrorize the northern region of the country, gunmen are also menacing the south-east of Nigeria. On Wednesday, unknown gunmen attacked the convoy of Dr. Chike Akunyili in Anambra State and killed him and seven others. IPOB denied carrying out the killing and blamed political opportunists for taking advantage of the instability in the region to cause mayhem.