Italy Condemns Attacks on Christians in Nigeria, Demands Prosecution and Stronger Protection

Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has called on the Nigerian Federal Government to prosecute all individuals responsible for violence against Christian communities across the country.

In a statement issued on Friday, Meloni strongly condemned the renewed attacks targeting Christians, stressing that religious freedom is a fundamental human right that 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 said.

Her comments follow a series of violent incidents, including the recent kidnapping of worshippers in Kwara State. On Tuesday evening, gunmen stormed a church in the Eruku area, killing at least two people and abducting the pastor along with several members of the congregation. This attack came just days after the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from a boarding school in Kebbi State.

The escalation of violence has drawn international concern, including pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened potential military action over what he described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

Amid the rising tension, President Bola Tinubu postponed a planned trip to South Africa and Angola for the G20 and AU-EU summits to receive urgent security briefings. He directed security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and “do everything possible” to safely recover the abducted schoolgirls.

Reports indicate that the gunmen responsible for the Kwara church attack have demanded a ?3 billion ransom for the release of the kidnapped victims.

Confirming the development, a community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun — whose four relatives are among those abducted — said the kidnappers have already begun contacting family members.