Catholic Bishops Demand Action Against Rising Violence

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently address the escalating violence, including killings, kidnappings, and displacements across Nigeria. This demand follows the abduction of over 60 Muslim worshippers in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State and the killing of 47 individuals in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, with 17 others critically injured.

In a statement titled “Stop The Slaughter In Borgu And Ukum, Stop The Killings In Nigeria,” signed by CBCN President and Archbishop of Kaduna, Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, the bishops expressed solidarity with the victims and condemned attacks on places of worship. They emphasized the need for a proactive, intelligence-led security strategy to dismantle criminal networks and called for the swift prosecution of perpetrators, regardless of their affiliations.

The bishops noted that the ongoing violence indicates a failure of security agencies to respond effectively to threats, urging a shift from reactive measures to preventative strategies.