Protect Christian communities against attacks, Italy PM urges FG

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday called on the Federal Government to take decisive action against those responsible for attacks on Christian communities.

In a statement posted on X, Meloni described the recent violence as “heinous and unacceptable” and urged authorities to intensify security measures.

“We strongly condemn the renewed violence that took place today against Christian communities in Nigeria.

“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,” she said.

Meloni emphasised Italy’s solidarity with affected families and communities living in fear due to religiously motivated 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 comments follow increasing international concern over escalating attacks in Nigeria, where armed groups, bandits, and extremist fighters have carried out mass killings, kidnappings, and village raids.

On Friday, gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State. The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria reported that 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers, were abducted.

Wasiu Abiodun, a police spokesperson in Niger State, said that tactical police teams, military units, and other security agents have been deployed in the area.

The attack comes shortly after 25 female students were abducted from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. During that incident, Hassan Makuku, the school’s vice principal, was killed, and Ali Shehu, a security guard, sustained gunshot injuries.