Social media influencers criticized the Pope after he ignored the killing of Shias during the
Arbaeen anniversary of Imam Hussein, peace be upon him, in a speech directed to the Nigerian government.
The Pope called on Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari to seek a permanent solution to the ongoing killings and insecurity in Nigeria, while he did not mention the killing of Shias in the Arbaeen march this year, which sparked widespread criticism by social media influencers.
Speaking during a meeting in the Vatican, Pope Francis noted the killing of more than 40 people by armed men in Kaduna last week, and expressed his spiritual solidarity with their families.
“I pray to God for those who were killed and wounded and for all the people of Nigeria,” he said.
The Pope’s comments sparked reactions on social media.
A social media influencer wrote, “I see several people publishing pictures of the victims of the terrorist attack last week, but it seems that everyone has forgotten about the martyrdom of a number of Shias on Tuesday.”
He added, “They were shot and brutally beaten by militants who are supposed to be on the battlefield in Borno to kill real terrorists.”
Activists say, “The question is why does no one worry about the death of Shias?
Last Tuesday, at least eight people were killed and dozens injured in a police raid on a peaceful march marking the Arbaeen anniversary in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
