Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, on Sunday urged the immediate release of more than 300 people abducted in a series of mass kidnappings targeting schools in Nigeria, describing the news as a source of immense sadness, Vatican News reported.
“I learned with immense sadness the news of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon”, the Pope said during his address at the end of the Angelus prayer at the Vatican.
The Christian Association of Nigeria announced on Saturday that gunmen had seized over 300 students and teachers in coordinated raids on two schools.
“I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages,” Pope Leo said, expressing his deep sorrow, especially for the many young boys and girls kidnapped and for their anguished families.
“Let us pray for these brothers and sisters of ours and that churches and schools may always and everywhere remain places of safety and hope,” the Pope said.
Pope Highlights Rising Violence as Kidnappers Target Schools and Churches
The violence began on Monday when armed men stormed a secondary school in Kebbi State and abducted 25 girls.
A second attack followed on Friday at St. Mary’s co-education school in Niger State, where hundreds more were taken.
The raids occurred alongside an attack on a church in Kwara, in which two people were killed and dozens abducted.
The surge in abductions comes amid rising international tension. Recall US President Donald Trump has threatened military action over what he terms the persecution of Christians by radical Islamist groups in Nigeria.
Nigeria continues to grapple with the legacy of mass kidnappings, most notably the 2014 abduction of nearly 300 schoolgirls from Chibok by Boko Haram militants. Many of those victims remain missing more than a decade later. …Punchng.com
For ongoing coverage of the kidnappings and related developments, go to LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng
