An Irish nun working on the missions has criticised the “frightening” lack of attention paid to Nigeria by the global community.

Sr Kathleen McGarvey’s comments come as the European Parliament rejected a motion on Christian persecution, prompted by the murder of teenager Deborah Yabuku in the Sokoto, Nigeria.

Ms Yabuku was accused by classmates of blaspheming against Muhammad and was stoned to death.

Sr McGarvey tsaid that most Muslims do not approve of such actions, but expressed her disappointment that “some Muslim candidates were afraid to criticise the lynching for fear they’ll lose support in an upcoming election”.

She added that Nigeria is “in a very bad situation, it’s worse than ever”, saying that violence is on the rise throughout the West African country.

“There is banditry, kidnapping has become commonplace – it’s causing huge insecurity,” Sr McGarvey told The Irish Catholic. “It’s against Christians, against Muslims. Everyone there feels the insecurity.”

She added that it’s “frightening that it doesn’t get attention worldwide. It’s an awful lot to do with the fact… our attention is on conflicts of more economic interest”.