Pope Condemns Deadly Attacks in Nigeria

Vatican, Feb 9, 2026: During the Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo voiced his “sorrow and concern” over a fresh wave of violent attacks in Nigeria that have left dozens dead, and expressed hope that authorities will “continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of the life of every citizen.”

The Pope once again appealed for prayers for Nigeria, which has recently been hit by renewed violence.

“It is with sorrow and concern that I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria leading to a heavy loss of life,” the Pope said on Sunday after the recitation of the noonday Angelus.

On the evening of 3 February, at least 160 people were killed in the village of Woro, located in the country’s central-west region.

“I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims of violence and terrorism,” the Pope added. “I likewise hope that the competent Authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of the life of every citizen.”

A new round of abductions

Over the past three days, at least 51 people were abducted and six others killed in attacks on four villages in Kaduna State. Nigerian security sources cited by AFP said the incidents occurred in the southern part of the state, a predominantly Christian area, where more than 180 people had been abducted in January and released only in recent days.

Attack on the Catholic community of Karku

In the Kajuru local government area, armed men abducted 11 people, including a priest, and killed three others. The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed that Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Church in Karku, was among those abducted. According to an archdiocesan statement, the attack took place around 3 a.m. on Saturday at his residence and resulted in three deaths, in what witnesses described as “an invasion by a group of terrorists.”

Amid the escalation of violence—ranging from attacks by jihadist groups such as Boko Haram to raids by armed gangs—the federal government has deployed an army battalion to the Kaiama district on the orders of President Bola Tinubu.

Beyond Nigeria, the Pope also offered prayers on Sunday for victims of human trafficking and for those affected by floods and landslides in Spain, Morocco, Portugal and Sicily.

Courtesy: Vatican News