The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, yesterday provided highlights of his discussions with President Muhammadu Buhari when both men met in London earlier in the day.
The Nigerian Presidency had earlier circulated a statement detailing what it said both men discussed.
The update by Welby was accompanied by a photograph showing him presenting a copy of his book, “Reimagining Britain: Foundations For Hope”, to Buhari.
Welby stated that he discussed the complex security situation in Nigeria and government’s efforts to address it adding that he also offered support in seeking a sustainable solution to the herdsmen/farmers conflict.
Also discussed according to the Archbishop is the suffering resulting from raids on Christian communities and villages in the Southern part of Nigeria.
“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.”
Welby said he also reflected on his pastoral visit to Nigeria in 2014 following the abduction of the Chibok girls, and assured Buhari of his continued prayers for the release of all those still in captivity.
