Pope Leo XIV has condemned the recent spate of violent attacks across Nigeria, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and urging authorities to take firm action to safeguard citizens.
In a message posted on his X handle, the pontiff said he received news of the attacks with “sorrow and concern,” offering prayers for the victims of violence and terrorism.
“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. I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims,” the Pope wrote. He also called on relevant authorities to “continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of the life of every citizen.”
The Pope’s remarks come amid a surge in deadly attacks across several parts of the country, with Kwara State recording the deadliest incident in recent days.
Between February 3 and 4, 2026, gunmen attacked the villages of Woro and Nuku in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State in what residents described as a massacre. While some reports put the death toll at 162, local officials and survivors believe more than 200 people may have been killed as bodies continue to be recovered from nearby bushland. Police authorities and Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, however, confirmed 75 fatalities.
In response to the violence, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of additional troops to the affected area and declared a nationwide security emergency. A new military operation has since been launched in Kaiama with the deployment of an army battalion, while Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Ilorin on February 7 to sympathise with the state government and affected communities.
The attacks have drawn widespread international condemnation. The United Nations, the United States and Türkiye denounced the killings, describing them as heinous acts of violence. Türkiye also pledged military support to Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
Amnesty International, however, criticised the Nigerian government, citing what it described as serious security lapses. The organisation noted that residents had reportedly warned of impending attacks weeks before the massacre.
Other violent incidents were also recorded within the same period. In Katsina State, armed groups reportedly killed between 21 and 35 people in Doma village, Tafoki ward, during coordinated house-to-house attacks that shattered a five-month peace agreement between the community and local armed groups.
In Benue State, suspected armed herdsmen attacked the Abande settlement in Kwande Local Government Area on February 3, killing at least 16 people, including a Mobile Police officer, and looting a local market. Similarly, in Niger State, gunmen attacked communities in Agwara and Mashegu local government areas on February 1, torching a police station and abducting several residents.
The latest wave of violence has heightened concerns over Nigeria’s security situation, with renewed calls for stronger protection of vulnerable communities and more decisive action against armed groups.
