“It was an honour to meet
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria in London
today. We discussed the complex security situation in Nigeria and their
government’s efforts to address it, and I offered support in seeking a
sustainable solution to the herder-farmer conflict.
“I expressed deep concern
about the suffering resulting from raids on Christian communities and villages
as far south as Delta State. We discussed the causes of such depredations,
which have led to very many deaths and
threaten an escalation of violence. I urged measures to restore confidence in
the neutrality of the state, and spoke of the suffering of the poor in such
tragedies.
“I also raised the urgent situation of Leah Sharibu – the
14-year old Dapchi Christian school girl still held captive by Boko Haram for
refusing to convert to Islam – and urged the President to do everything
possible to secure her release.
“I briefed President Buhari about my pastoral visit to Nigeria
in 2014 following the abduction of the Chibok girls, and assured him of my
continued prayers for the release of all those still in captivity. The
President promised that the Government would do all in its power to secure
their release.
“No country or society can flourish without excellent education
– so it was good to speak with the President about how education helps tackle
poverty. I highlighted the vital role that churches in England play not just in
educating a million children, but in providing them with values, identity and
purpose.
“Please join me in standing prayerfully with those suffering
from the herder-farmer conflict, the Boko Haram insurgency, and all those
mourning the loss of loved ones. It’s so important that we pray for the peace
and progress of Nigeria – and particularly for the liberating peace of Jesus to
be with all those held in captivity.”
*Contributed by Archbishop Justin Welby wrote in from United Kingdom
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