Pope Leo XIV has expressed profound sorrow and concern following reports of coordinated attacks on various communities in Nigeria, which have left at least 162 people dead. The incident marks one of the deadliest periods of violence in the country in recent months, drawing international condemnation and calls for urgent intervention.
A Message of Solidarity
In a statement shared via his official account on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the Pontiff offered his condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed his spiritual support for the West African nation.
“It is with sorrow and concern that I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria leading to a heavy loss of life,” Pope Leo XIV wrote. “I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims of violence and terrorism.”
Call for Government Action
Beyond offering prayers, the Pope directed a specific plea to the Nigerian government and security agencies. He urged the “competent Authorities” to act with increased determination to stem the tide of insecurity that has plagued several regions of the country.
“I likewise hope that the competent Authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of the life of every citizen,” the statement concluded.
Context of the Violence
The attacks, which targeted several communities, reflect a worrying escalation in rural and communal violence that has often been attributed to unidentified gunmen and various armed groups. While the Nigerian government has frequently pledged to overhaul its security architecture, the scale of this latest tragedy—with 162 lives lost—has placed renewed pressure on the administration to deliver tangible results in its counter-terrorism and peacekeeping efforts.
The Pope’s public intervention is seen as a significant diplomatic and moral pressure point, highlighting the gravity of the humanitarian situation as the international community watches the unfolding security challenges in Nigeria.
Source: Africa Publicity
