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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has urged the Nigerian Government to ensure the prosecution of individuals responsible for attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
She also appealed for stronger security measures in Christian communities nationwide.
In a statement issued on Friday, Meloni condemned the violence, stressing that the protection of religious freedom is a fundamental human right.
“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 came in response to renewed reports of violence against Christian communities in Nigeria, including the recent abduction of worshippers in Kwara State earlier in the week.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies “to do everything possible” to rescue the schoolgirls “abducted by the bandits and bring the girls back home safe,” according to the President’s Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
Reports also indicated that the gunmen responsible for the Kwara attack have allegedly demanded a N3 billion ransom for the release of the victims.
A community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, whose four relatives were among those kidnapped, confirmed that the bandits had begun contacting families.
