Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to take urgent and concrete legal action against individuals responsible for recent attacks targeting Christian communities across the country.
In a formal statement released on Friday, Meloni emphasized that religious freedom is a fundamental human right protected under international law, urging Nigeria to strengthen its internal security architecture and ensure accountability for perpetrators of violence.
“We strongly condemn the renewed violence against Christian communities in Nigeria. Religious freedom is an inalienable right,” Meloni said. She further stressed that the Nigerian government must enhance protection for all religious groups and ensure prosecution of those behind such attacks, describing the incidents as “heinous.”
Her comments follow a series of violent attacks, including the kidnapping of worshippers in Kwara State earlier in the week. On Tuesday evening, gunmen invaded a church in Eruku, killing at least two people and abducting the pastor alongside several congregants. The assailants have reportedly demanded ₦3 billion in ransom.
The assault occurred days after 25 schoolgirls were abducted in Kebbi State, intensifying scrutiny on Nigeria’s security agencies and prompting international reactions. U.S. President Donald Trump recently threatened military intervention, alleging systemic persecution of Christians in Nigeria—an allegation that has placed additional pressure on Abuja.
In response to the developments, President Bola Tinubu suspended his scheduled diplomatic visit to South Africa and Angola for the G20 and AU-EU summits. According to his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President is receiving security briefings and has directed security agencies to “do everything possible” to rescue the abducted girls and church members.
A community leader in Kwara, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, confirmed that families of the kidnapped victims are now receiving direct calls from the attackers.
Legal analysts note that the situation raises serious questions about Nigeria’s compliance with constitutional obligations under Sections 14 and 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee security and the right to life. The attacks have also reignited debates about the enforcement of Nigeria’s Anti-Terrorism Act and the adequacy of protection for religious minorities.
As domestic and international pressure mounts, stakeholders await concrete governmental steps to ensure accountability, prevent further attacks, and uphold Nigeria’s human rights commitments.
