The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over what it describes as the worsening security crisis across the country, calling on both federal and state authorities to take urgent and decisive action to protect citizens.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, and Secretary, Bishop Donatus Aihmiosion, the bishops said the frequency of violent attacks—especially on predominantly Christian communities in the North and Middle Belt—has led to “heavy casualties and the tragic loss of many Christian lives.”
According to the statement, the deteriorating security environment, coupled with inflammatory national discourse, has further strained Nigeria’s fragile social and religious harmony.
The bishops highlighted several recent incidents, including the abduction of worshippers in Kwara State, 25 girls in Kebbi, 13 female farmers in Borno, and 303 students and teachers in Niger State. They also referenced the killing of more than 70 people in Southern Taraba and the assassination of security personnel in separate attacks.
They warned that unchecked attacks on schools, farms, and communities “threaten the very foundations of family life, education, and social stability.”
The CBCN urged the government to urgently identify and prosecute perpetrators of violent crimes, insisting that accountability remains key to restoring peace. They also called for the safe rescue of abducted persons and the rehabilitation of displaced families.
Beyond the broader security concerns, the bishops condemned the recurring destruction of Christian places of worship, as well as the denial of land for church construction in some parts of the country. They reiterated the need for justice in the killing of Deborah Samuel Yakubu in Sokoto, stressing that unresolved cases only fuel impunity.
Appealing for unity, the bishops encouraged Nigerians to “remain steadfast in the pursuit of peace and the rebuilding of our common life,” urging citizens to reject hatred and retaliation.
They concluded that sustainable peace can only be achieved through “justice, courage, and a firm commitment to the sanctity of human life.”
