The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has condemned the renewed wave of killings, abductions and violence across the country, describing the security situation as intolerable and calling on the government and security agencies to take decisive action to end the bloodshed.
In a statement issued in Abuja on August 26, the CBCN cited the reported abduction of more than 60 worshippers from a mosque in Borgu, Niger State, and the killing of 47 people, with 17 others critically injured, in Ukum, Benue State.
The bishops said the incidents reflected a worsening security situation, warning that Nigerians continued to face attacks in places of worship, markets and their homes.
“The blood of your brother cries out to me from the ground,” the conference said, quoting the biblical book of Genesis.
The CBCN expressed condolences to the families of those killed in Benue State and prayed for the recovery of the injured. It also expressed solidarity with Muslim worshippers in Niger State and called for the immediate and safe release of those abducted.
“An attack on any place of worship is an attack on our collective humanity,” the bishops said.
The conference urged governments at all levels, security chiefs and political leaders to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, stressing that the constitutional responsibility for the security and welfare of citizens must not be compromised.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by the authorities, the bishops called for more proactive and intelligence-led security operations to identify and dismantle criminal networks before they carry out attacks.
The CBCN also demanded the swift prosecution of perpetrators and their sponsors, irrespective of their status or affiliations, warning that impunity continued to encourage repeated acts of violence.
The bishops appealed directly to bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and their sponsors to lay down their arms and end the bloodshed, stressing that no cause could justify the killing of innocent people.
They further urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the prevailing security challenges and called on citizens to remain united and steadfast in prayers for peace and national security.
The statement was signed by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso.
The CBCN prayed for the restoration of peace and order across the country, urging national leaders and citizens alike to work collectively towards ending the cycle of violence and restoring security to affected communities.
