A Nigerian Catholic bishop has assailed President Michael D Higgins for suggesting climate change played a role in the massacre of 40 people at a Pentecost Sunday Mass in his diocese, describing the claim as rubbing salt into the wounds of the victims.

In a statement, Bishop of Ondo diocese, Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, described President Higgins’ statement as “incorrect and far-fetched”.

“To suggest or make a connection between victims of terror and consequences of climate change is not only misleading but also exactly rubbing salt to the injuries of all who have suffered terrorism in Nigeria”.

He added: “Alluding to some form of politics of climate change in our situation is completely inappropriate.

“Such comments associating banditry, kidnapping and gruesome attacks on innocent and harmless citizens of Nigeria with issues concerning climate change and food securities are deflections from the truth.”

The bishop said that it is “the responsibility of every one of us to take case of our earthly home,” but added that he appeals to “those who are trying to take advantage of this horrific event to project any form of ideological agenda to desist from such opportunism”.