By Ademola Adekusibe
22nd November 2025
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has called on the Nigerian Federal Government to prosecute anyone found responsible for attacks on Christian communities across the country, urging authorities to strengthen security for vulnerable populations.
In a statement on Friday, Meloni condemned the recent violence against Christians in Nigeria, emphasizing that religious freedom is an inalienable human right. “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,” she said.
Her remarks follow a spate of attacks in recent days, including the abduction of worshippers from a church in Eruku, Kwara State, and the kidnapping of 25 girls from a boarding school in Kebbi State. In the Eruku attack on Tuesday evening, gunmen killed at least two people and abducted the pastor along with several worshippers. Local sources report that the assailants have demanded a N3 billion ransom for their release.
The renewed violence has put pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s government, prompting him to postpone a planned trip to South Africa and Angola for the G20 and AU-EU summits. The presidency said the president has received updated security briefings on both incidents and has directed security agencies “to do everything possible” to rescue the victims and bring them home safely, according to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
Community leaders, including Chief Olusegun Olukotun, Olori Eta of Eruku, reported that several family members were among the abducted worshippers, and that the bandits had already begun contacting relatives for ransom negotiations.
Open condemnation from Italy adds to mounting international scrutiny of Nigeria’s handling of religiously motivated attacks, as U.S. President Donald Trump has also threatened military action if attacks on Christians persist.
The federal government has repeatedly stated that it opposes religious persecution and maintains efforts to safeguard freedom of belief across all states, but recent incidents continue to raise concerns about the safety of Christian communities in the Middle Belt and northern Nigeria.
