A week after Christmas was marked by tragedy in Plateau State, Nigeria, Pope Francis has joined pleas for divine intervention to quell the escalating violence that has plunged the region into mourning.
Over 150 persons were killed in the attacks by gunmen on communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LGAs of the north-central state.
Houses were also razed, and properties were looted across some 17 communities.
In reaction to the incidents, Pope Francis, in a tweet on New Year’s Eve, asked global citizens to join him in prayers “for the victims of the severe violence”.
“May God free Nigeria from these horrors!” he added.
“Let us also pray for those who lost their lives in the explosion of a tanker truck in Liberia.”
May the good Lord hears your prayers Amen