Prosecute Those Responsible For Violence Against Christians, Italian PM Meloni Tells FG

Italian PM Meloni Urges Nigeria to Prosecute Perpetrators of Violence Against Christians

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has issued a strong call to the Nigerian Federal Government, demanding the prosecution of those responsible for recent violent attacks on Christian communities.

In a statement released on Friday, Meloni condemned the renewed wave of assaults, stressing that religious freedom is a fundamental and inalienable human right. She emphasized that Italy stands in solidarity with the victims and communities in Nigeria who feel endangered because of their faith.

Her remarks followed disturbing incidents in Kwara State, where gunmen attacked a church in the Eruku area, killing at least two people and abducting the pastor along with several worshippers.

Reports indicate that the assailants have demanded a ransom of ₦3 billion for the release of the victims. This attack came just days after the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from a boarding school in Kebbi State, further heightening concerns about insecurity and targeted violence against Christians.

The Italian Prime Minister’s intervention adds international pressure on Nigeria’s leadership, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump has also voiced strong criticism, threatening military action over what he described as persecution of Christians.

In response to the growing uproar, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu postponed his planned trip to South Africa and Angola for the G20 and AU-EU summits in order to receive security briefings. He directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted schoolgirls and apprehend the perpetrators of the Kwara church attack.

Community leaders in Eruku, including Chief Olusegun Olukotun, confirmed that the kidnappers have begun contacting families of the victims, deepening the sense of fear and urgency.

The situation has sparked widespread outrage both domestically and internationally, with calls for Nigeria to strengthen its security apparatus and ensure justice for the victims.

Meloni’s statement underscores Italy’s broader commitment to defending religious freedom globally. By urging Nigeria to prosecute those responsible and reinforce protections for Christian communities, she has positioned her government as a vocal advocate against religiously motivated violence.

The unfolding crisis highlights the intersection of domestic insecurity in Nigeria with international diplomatic pressure, making the government’s response a matter of both national stability and global scrutiny.