The High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), Miguel Moratinos, has urged the government to support the implementation of the Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites to keep worshippers safe.

Mr Moratinos appealed in light of the attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, during the Pentecost mass on Sunday.

In a statement on Tuesday, the high representative called for mutual respect of all religions and faiths and for fostering a culture of fraternity and peace.

He recalled that the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, developed by UNAOC, appealed to all governments and relevant stakeholders to support its implementation.

He also invited the global youth and faith communities to join UNAOC’s global call to action #forSafeWorship to contribute to celebrating the universality of religious sites.

Similarly, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned “in the strongest terms” the brutal massacre, which left at least 50 people dead and wounded dozens more.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Guterres described the massacre by alleged Fulani militias as “heinous”, as worshippers gathered on Sunday to celebrate Pentecost – an essential date in the Christian calendar.

Attackers infiltrated the congregation before shooting at people who had gathered for mass inside the church.

He said that attacks on places of worship are “abhorrent”, urging the Nigerian authorities to spare no effort in bringing those responsible to justice.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which is considered unusual for Southwest Nigeria. However, witnesses said they were of Fulani origin.

(NAN)