Pope Francis has condemned the recent killings and kidnappings in northern Nigeria, describing it as senseless.

The head of the Catholic Church’s comment is in reaction to the gruesome killing of 34 villagers in the north-western state of Kaduna on Sunday.

Speaking during his Wednesday’s General Audience at the Vatican City, Francis called on the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) to guarantee the safety of all Nigerian citizens.

He also noted that massacres were not only happening in southern Kaduna, but all over the country.

“I pray for those who have died, for the injured and for the entire Nigerian population.

“I learnt with pain the news of the armed attacks that took place last Sunday against the villages of Madamai Abun in northern Nigeria…I hope that the country always guarantees the safety of all its citizens,” Francis said as quoted by CNN.