Pope Leo XIV has expressed sadness over the wave of killings in Nigeria and charged President Bola Tinubu’s government to secure the lives and properties of citizens.

The pontiff, in a post on his official X handle on Sunday, said, “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 of violence and terrorism.”

The pope also charged the government headed by Mr Tinubu to work with determination to secure the lives of citizens.

“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,” Pope Leo XIV said.

The wave of killings in Nigeria last week has dominated both local and international media, eliciting reactions from citizens and the global community.

Last Tuesday, terrorists invaded the Woro community in the Kaima Local Government area of Kwara State, killing over 170 people and torching many properties. Attacks were also recorded in Benue and Katsina States in the same week, bringing the number of killings to above 200.

Amnesty International, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and several prominent figures had condemned the terrorists’ attacks on the Nigerian communities.