The recent brutal attacks on rural communities in Plateau State, resulting in the loss of over 200 lives, have garnered both local and international attention.
Pope Francis joined those expressing concern and offered prayers for the victims and the nation.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Pope wrote, “Let us pray together for the victims of the severe violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State. May God free Nigeria from these horrors!” He also extended his prayers to those affected by the explosion of a tanker truck in Liberia.
The attacks, carried out by heartless assailants on Christmas eve, targeted communities in the Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The assaults have led to numerous casualties, the destruction of homes, and the burning of farmlands. The inability of security forces to repel the assailants has raised concerns among Nigerians.
While the government and military have condemned the attacks and made promises following official visits to the state, prominent voices in Northern Nigeria, including Bishop Matthew Hassan-Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, have criticized the authorities for failing to protect the people on the Plateau from recurrent aggression by marauders.
Ada Peter
