The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has condemned in strong terms the violence against Christians in Nigeria, while calling on the Nigerian government to “prosecute those responsible for these heinous attacks”.
In a statement posted on X, Meloni said the ongoing attacks on Christians are unacceptable.
She wrote. “We strongly condemn the renewed violence that took place today against Christian communities in Nigeria”.
She urged authorities to strengthen security measures and ensure those responsible were brought to justice.
“Religious freedom is an inviolable right, we ask the Nigerian government to strengthen the protection of Christian communities and all religious communities and to prosecute those responsible for these heinous attacks.”
Meloni said Italy stands in solidarity with the families affected and communities living in fear due to religiously targeted violence.
“Italy expresses all its closeness to the victims and to the communities in Nigeria who today feel in danger because of their religious beliefs,” she added.
Her condemnation follows the rising wave of kidnappings and killings across Nigeria, especially the mass abductions of primary and secondary schools students in parts of the North by Fulani terrorists.
The surge in violence has placed Nigeria in the global spotlight, attracting international concern over the safety of its citizens.
