Pope Leo has expressed sorrow and concern over the recent deadly attacks in Nigeria that claimed numerous lives, calling on authorities to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens.
In a statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday, February 8, the pontiff offered prayers for victims of violence and terrorism whilst urging Nigerian authorities to work with determination to address the security crisis.
“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. I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims of violence and terrorism,” Pope Leo wrote.
“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. #PrayTogether,” the statement added.
The Pope’s statement comes in response to the massacre in Kwara State, where at least 162 people were killed when gunmen attacked Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area on Tuesday, February 4.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed that the victims were “local Muslims massacred for refusing to surrender to extremists preaching a strange doctrine.”
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The attack has drawn condemnation from political leaders, civil society groups, and international observers, with many criticising the Federal Government’s handling of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu has since approved the deployment of an army battalion under Operation Savannah Shield to carry out counter-offensive operations against the attackers.
The Kwara massacre is one of the deadliest attacks in recent months and has intensified concerns about the expansion of extremist violence into previously stable regions of Nigeria’s middle belt.
Pope Leo has expressed concern about violence and persecution in Nigeria, particularly attacks on religious communities and civilians in the country’s north and middle belt regions.
His latest statement underscores growing international attention on Nigeria’s security crisis, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of citizens across multiple states.