Pope Leo XIV on Sunday charged President Bola Tinubu to act fast in securing the release of abducted schoolchildren in terrorists’ captivity.

The pontiff, in a statement posted on X, expressed concerns over the wave of abductions in Nigeria and the neighbouring country, Cameroon.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the kidnapping of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon,” the pope said. “I feel great pain, above all for the many young men and women who have been abducted and for their distressed families.”

“I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages and urge the competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure their release.”

He added, “Let us #PrayTogether for these brothers and sisters of ours, and that churches and schools may always and everywhere remain places of safety and hope.”

Last week, over 350 people were abducted in a series of coordinated attacks by terrorists in Nigeria.

In a raid on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, 25 schoolgirls were abducted last Monday.

On Tuesday, terrorists also attacked Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Kwara State, abducting about 38 worshippers and killing three. Also, 315 schoolchildren and staff of St Mary’s school ,Papiri, Niger State, were abducted on Friday.