Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said Fulani herdsmen are attacking and not clashing with Christians.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of CSW, told Premier not enough is being done to stop the violence.

He said: “It’s an awful situation. The world knows very little about it and the sad thing is… this goes on with impunity. Nobody is ever bought to book about it.”

Last week suspected Fulani ethnic militants – groups of semi-nomadic, Muslim herders – reportedly killed at least 55 people in Lau local government area of Taraba state.

According to local reports, since the attacks which began during the weekend, about 200 homes have been destroyed and 25 bodies were recovered and given a mass burial on Tuesday.

Explaining how prayer can help the situation, Mr Thomas said: “When we go anywhere in the world… people say ‘please pray for us’.

“But I think one of the things we can do is to pray for those that are perpetrating this violence. Pray for the Fulani. Pray for Boko Haram.”

The merger will allow Hope for Justice to expand its efforts of tackling modern day slavery to cover four continents: Europe, Africa, North America and Asia.

Hope for Justice said combining the charities will enable it to reach vulnerable children who are trafficked and targeted by predatory gangs who force them into sexual exploitation, domestic servitude and forced labour.

CEO of Hope for Justice, Ben Cooley said: “This integration gives us the ability to help more adults and more children who have been walking through some of the darkest days – to give them hope and to give them justice.

“There will be challenges to overcome and hurdles to clear, but we will go forward in strength and unity, because freedom is worth the fight.”

Retrak runs transition centres, community programmes and educational/outreach ‘stay safe’ initiatives in several African countries. It claimed there’s growing evidence of trafficking among the street children it works with.

Sir Peter Fahy, from Retrak, said he’s excited to make a bigger impact.

“It [the merger] brings together Retrak’s great strength in preventative work with Hope for Justice’s strengths in rescuing victims and structural reform,” he said.

“Both charities have strengths in working with law enforcement agencies and state bodies but, at the heart of both organisations, is the belief in reintegration through a process of support and restoration.”

For the time being, the two charities remain legally separate…

Pope Francis has financially supported the Circus of Solidarity event, which is being staged at the French Medrano Circus in north Rome for vulnerable people.

Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the Vatican’s Almoner – the person who oversees giving to the poor – said: “This gift… will hopefully become for our poorest brothers and sisters an encouragement to overcome the bitterness and difficulties of life, which often seem insurmountable.”

Guests shall also be treated to supper, as well as the care of doctors and nurses supported by the Holy See’s mobile health clinic.

The Pope said during one of his recent General Audience speeches: “Circus performers create beauty; this is good for the soul, for we greatly need beauty!”

Circus of Solidarity has been supported by businessman Fabrizio Grandi and directors of the Medrano Circus, the Casartelli family.

Braian Casartelli said Thursday’s event would be “a marvellous evening in honour of the many people of Rome who live in difficulty.”

Tim Farron – an outspoken Christian – told Premier’s Inspirational Breakfast programme on Wednesday he was “foolish” to say gay sex was not a sin, during last year’s General Election campaign.

Responding on Twitter, Sir Vince said: “I strongly disagree with Tim Farron’s personal views expressed today…”

“[The Liberal Democrats] have a long & proud record of fighting for LGBT+ rights: campaigning to repeal section 28, equalising age of consent and legislating for equal marriage.

“I will continue to champion rights and dignity.

Sir Vince’s comments drew endorsements from other high-profile Lib Dem figures, including the party’s president and Christian, Baroness Sal Brinton.

I strongly endorse Vince’s comments below. https://t.co/Bxo1nNzNRD

— SalBrinton (@SalBrinton) January 10, 2018

During yesterday’s interview, Tim Farron told Premier of his “regret” at bowing to the pressure he felt under to say homosexual activity is not sinful.

.@timfarron is entitled to his views and I know he has been troubled about the issue but I don’t agree with his interpretation. I personally and politically support #LGBTQ rights – and always will.

— Willie Rennie (@willie_rennie) January 10, 2018

The Christian politician also voiced frustration that his views on sexuality drew attention away from the Lib Dem’s General Election campaigning last year.

He told presenters John Pantry and Rosie Wright: “The bottom line is, of course, I did [feel pressured] and there are…