"Until the population dialogues with their children and gives me a written guarantee of the safety of the pastors who work for them, the parishes will remain without pastors,” - Bishop Nkea.

Up to 90% of the area occupied by Boko Haram has been freed in recent weeks by the Nigerian army.

Western military intervention is the only viable option in the fight against Nigerian militants, who are now allied to Islamic State.

Pontiff warns of urgent need to promote a dialogue of life with Muslims to discourage violence against Christians.