Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently strengthen protection for Christian communities following a new wave of violent attacks affecting several parts of the country. Her statement came as global attention continues to shift toward growing insecurity and targeted violence in Nigeria, a nation repeatedly confronted by attacks from armed groups, extremist fighters, and bandits across different regions.
In a message shared on her official X account, the Italian leader condemned the latest incident, describing the assault on Christian communities as “heinous and unacceptable.” She expressed serious concern over the frequency of attacks and emphasised the need for stronger intervention. Okay News reports that she insisted that the Nigerian authorities must not delay in reinforcing security structures in areas most exposed to these forms of violence.
Meloni stated, “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 highlighted Italy’s sympathy toward affected families, stressing that no society should be subjected to fear due to religious identity. According to her, the situation in Nigeria demands both immediate attention and a long-term safety strategy. Meloni added, “Italy expresses all its closeness to the victims and to the communities in Nigeria who today feel in danger because of their religious beliefs.”
Her remarks follow widespread global alarm over insecurity in Nigeria, where several communities face repeated assaults. International humanitarian organisations and rights groups have frequently raised concerns about mass abductions, killings, and raids that disrupt social and economic life in many states.
The latest incident occurred on Friday when armed men attacked Saint Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School located in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State in North Central Nigeria. Local officials reported that three hundred and fifteen individuals, including three hundred and three students and twelve teachers, were abducted in the attack. The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria described the situation as deeply troubling.
Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed that multiple tactical police units, military personnel, and other security operatives had been deployed to the affected area to commence rescue operations. Authorities disclosed that initial investigations were ongoing.
This abduction followed another attack in Kebbi State, where twenty-five female students were taken from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga. During the raid, the school’s vice principal, Hassan Makuku, was killed, while a security guard identified as Ali Shehu sustained gunshot injuries.
These incidents have reignited national and international calls for a unified and more effective security response from Nigerian authorities to address the worsening trend of school abductions and religious-targeted attacks.
