Dada Olusegun, one of President Bola Tinubu’s media aides, has shared a video of Pope Leo XIV saying Christians are living in danger in some parts of Nigeria and that there is a need for authentic freedom of religion in the country.

Mr Olusegun, in a post on X on Thursday, amplified the Pope’s statement, sharing the video and a transcript of what the pontiff said.

Pope’s transcribed statement circulated by Mr Olusegun reads: “Asked about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, Pope Leo XIV says: “In Nigeria, in certain areas, there is certainly danger for Christians but for all people. Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered. There’s a question of terrorism. There’s a question that has to do a lot with economics, if you will, in control of the lands that they have. Unfortunately, many Christians have died and I think it’s very important to seek a way – the government with all people – to promote authentic religious freedom [and] respect for all people.”

Before now, on Sunday, the Pontiff had said, “In various parts of the world, Christians suffer discrimination and persecution. I think especially of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other countries from which we frequently hear of attacks on communities and places of worship.”

Mr Olusegun’s circulation of the Pope’s statement affirming that Christians live in danger in Nigeria comes amid Mr Tinubu’s government’s vehement denial that Christians are being targeted by jihadists in the country, amid a global campaign against the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

Led by American lawmakers Ted Cruz, Riley Moore, Nancy Mace and others, the campaign has seen President Donald Trump designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.

Mr Trump has also threatened military invasion to kill off rampaging bandits and terrorists killing Christians, should the Nigerian government fail to tackle the crisis.