The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation, citing persistent violence, abductions, and destruction of property across the country.
The Catholic bishops spoke in a statement signed by the President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji and Secretary, Bishop Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun.
They expressed concern over attacks in several predominantly Christian
communities, particularly in the Northern and Middle Belt regions, resulting in heavy casualties and the tragic loss of many Christian lives.
The CBCN note that delayed or withheld security responses have given the impression of possible collusion or lack of will to act, deepening the people’s sense of abandonment and despair.
“In some instances, there have been disturbing reports of delayed or withheld security responses, giving the impression of possible collusion or a lack of will to act. This has deepened the people’s sense of abandonment and despair.
“Such prolonged unbearable conditions have given credence to allegations of ‘genocide’ in some quarters.
“We are equally deeply concerned that Muslims and many other innocent citizens of diverse ethnic backgrounds have also been victims of this same cruelty that continues to desecrate our common humanity,” the clerics stated.
The CBCN condemned the recent cases of abduction, which include 25 young girls in Kebbi State, 13 female farmers in Borno State, 265 students and teachers in Papiri, Niger State, the brutal killing of over 70 persons in Southern Taraba as well as the displacement of thousands across the country.
The bishops called on the government to urgently fulfill its duty to protect lives and property, investigate delayed security responses, and secure the release of abducted persons.
The clerics also demanded justice for Deborah Samuel Yakubu, killed in Sokoto, and urged the government to address the issue.
“Impunity must not prevail and those responsible for these heinous crimes must be brought to justice,” they maintained.
The bishops urged all citizens to remain united in seeking peace, rejecting hatred and retaliation by promoting justice, dialogue, and mutual respect noting that “peace is the duty of all, Nigeria’s diversity should be a strength, not a weakness”.
The CBCN also prayed for God’s intervention, through intercession for peace, healing and restoration in the country .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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