Pope Francis has called for prayers for Nigeria in the wake of Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State that left at least 195 persons dead. 

“Let us #PrayTogether for the victims of the severe violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State,” the Pope said in a tweet on Sunday. “May God free Nigeria from these horrors!”

Mr Fancis also called for prayers “for those who lost their lives in the explosion of a tanker truck in Liberia.”

Last week, Peoples Gazette reported that over 112 were killed and 47 were injured as armed herdsmen launched coordinated attacks on at least 12 communities spanning Barkin Ladi and Bokkos council areas on Christmas Eve. However, the number of casualties has increased to 195 as more bodies were recovered.

Nigerians have condemned the various attacks, especially Plateau’s, that left over 112 citizens dead and scores injured.

The United Nations, France and the United States of America have also condemned the attacks, charging authorities to bring its perpetrators to book. 

Amnesty International condemned Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State communities, berating Mr Tinubu for brazenly failing to protect communities in the state and Nigeria at large.

The human rights organisation called on Mr Tinubu’s government to go beyond empty verbal condemnation and investigate thoroughly, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.