The Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace, Justin
Welbly, has posted a statement on his Facebook page on his meeting
with President Muhammadu Buhari in London, United Kingdom.
In the post, Welby said he was honoured to meet the
Nigerian president, adding that he discussed the complexities of the security
situation in Nigeria and the government’s efforts to address it.
According to him, “It was an honour to meet
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria in London today (Wednesday). We discussed
the complex security situation in Nigeria and the government’s efforts to
address it, and I offered my 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 sufferings
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 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 to 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 peace
and progress of Nigeria and particularly, for the liberating peace of Jesus
Christ to be with all those held in captivity.”
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