Pope Leo XIV condemns lethal assaults in Kwara, asks Nigerian govt to guard lives
Pope Leo XIV has condemned ongoing violence in Nigeria following assaults by Islamist extremists on a predominantly average Muslim neighborhood in Kwara State that reportedly left as much as 200 individuals useless.
The assaults, which additionally led to the destruction of huge components of the affected neighborhood, have heightened fears that violence is spreading throughout Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation.
Talking in the course of the Angelus prayer on Sunday at St Peter’s Sq., Leo stated he obtained the information of the assaults with sorrow.
“It’s with sorrow and concern that I discovered of the current assaults towards varied communities in Nigeria resulting in a heavy lack of life.
“I supply my prayerful closeness to all of the victims of violence and terrorism. I hope that the competent authorities will proceed to work with willpower to make sure the security and safety of the life of each citizen,” he stated.
The assaults have drawn appeals from state governors to the federal authorities amid rising criticism of Nigeria’s safety response each regionally and internationally.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara stated the assault was doubtless a reprisal for counterterrorism operations within the space.
Governor AbdulRazaq stated residents had beforehand supplied intelligence to safety companies working within the area.
The presidency stated final week that President Bola Tinubu had authorized the deployment of a military battalion to Kaiama, the epicentre of the assaults, the place safety presence had been restricted. The battalion is anticipated to comprise between 300 and 1,000 troopers.
Safety analysts say the assaults sign an growth of rebel exercise into southern components of Nigeria.
Kwara shares a protracted border with Benin Republic alongside a key worldwide commerce hall.
The pope additionally marked the World Day of Prayer and Reflection In opposition to Human Trafficking, noticed on February 8.