Pope Francis during the Sunday Angelus, October 25,  appealed for an end to violent clashes in Nigeria.

From his studio above St Peter’s Square, the Pope said he was “following with particular concern the news that is coming out of Nigeria.”

He mentioned, “the violent clashes between security forces and a number of young people protesting.”

“Let us pray to the Lord so that any form of violence might be avoided, in the constant search for social harmony in the promotion of justice and the common good.”

Demonstrations

In the latest developments, Nigeria’s top police official on Saturday, October 24,  ordered the immediate mobilization of all officers to “reclaim the public space from criminal elements masquerading as protesters”.

His order came after days of peaceful protests over police abuses and then violent unrest that left at least 69 people dead.

There are fears this latest police order could fuel further tensions after the country’s worst turmoil in years.

The demonstrations in Nigeria, and the shootings by soldiers sparked immediate international condemnation.