Italy has joined the United States in urging the Nigerian government to take swift and decisive action following what it described as escalating attacks on Christian communities across the country. The move places further international pressure on Abuja, already facing scrutiny over its handling of widespread insecurity.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a firm statement released on X, condemned the “renewed violence” reportedly targeting Christian populations. She described religious freedom as “an inviolable right” and said the scale of the attacks was now intolerable.
Meloni called on Nigerian authorities to reinforce security around Christian and other religious communities and ensure the prosecution of those responsible. Expressing solidarity with affected families and communities, she warned that many Nigerians now feel endangered “because of their religious beliefs.”
Italy’s intervention comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump issued some of his strongest criticism yet of Nigeria’s security response. Trump repeatedly referred to the killings as a “genocide,” expressing frustration at what he views as inaction from Abuja. He cautioned that U.S. financial support to Nigeria could be suspended if the situation does not improve.
Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to confront extremist groups, claiming the violence is underreported and alleging Christians are being killed “at will.” He reiterated remarks he has made previously, questioning Nigeria’s effectiveness in managing widespread unrest.
While Trump framed the matter as a defence of persecuted religious minorities, analysts and human rights organisations argue that Nigeria’s multifaceted violence affects both Christians and Muslims and does not meet the internationally recognised definition of genocide.
The renewed international concern follows an attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, where 315 people—mostly students and teachers—were abducted. The Christian Association of Nigeria in the state provided the latest figures, which add to growing public anxiety about the spread of armed criminal groups.
Trump’s earlier warning that the U.S. could consider military action if Nigeria fails to stem the killings has drawn criticism from rights groups, who say such rhetoric risks heightening tensions and oversimplifying a complex security crisis.
With Italy becoming the second G7 nation to openly challenge Nigeria’s response, observers say diplomatic pressure is likely to intensify in the coming days. The Nigerian government has not yet issued a formal response to the statements from Rome and Washington.
