By Gloria Ikibah
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called on the Nigerian government to take firm action against individuals involved in attacks targeting Christian communities across the country.
She pressed for stronger security measures in areas where Christians have faced repeated violence, stressing the need for proactive protection rather than reactive responses.
In a statement issued on Friday, Meloni denounced the growing attacks and emphasised that the freedom to practise one’s faith remains a fundamental human right that must be safeguarded without compromise.
The statement read: “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. Italy expresses its closeness to the victims and communities in Nigeria that today feel in danger because of their religious beliefs”.
Her remarks came in the wake of fresh attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria, including the latest incident in Kwara State, where worshippers were abducted during a church service earlier in the week.
Gunmen stormed a church in Eruku on Tuesday evening, leaving at least two people dead and kidnapping the pastor along with several congregants, according to police and witnesses. The assault occurred just days after 25 schoolgirls were taken from their boarding school in Kebbi State.
The Eruku attack has intensified pressure on the Nigerian government, which is also facing criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has warned of possible military intervention over what he described as the persecution of Christians.
In response to public outrage, President Bola Tinubu cancelled his planned trip to South Africa and Angola for the G20 and AU–EU summits, opting instead to receive security briefings on both incidents. His office confirmed that he had ordered a strengthened security deployment to track down those responsible in Kwara.
The president also instructed security agencies “to do everything possible” to secure the release of the abducted schoolgirls and ensure their safe return, according to his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
There were also reports on Thursday that the attackers in Kwara had demanded a ransom of N3 billion for the release of their captives.
A community leader, the Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, said the kidnappers had already begun making contact with affected families, adding to the growing tension in the area.