Catholic Bishops Urge Action on Nigeria's Rising Insecurity

During a special thanksgiving mass held at Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos on Tuesday, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) lamented the worsening state of insecurity in the country. The event celebrated the 90th birthday of Anthony Cardinal Okogie, who has served for 60 years in the priesthood and 55 years as a bishop.

Rev. Alfred Martin, the vice president of CBCN, urged President Bola Tinubu to enhance government efforts to restore peace and security, highlighting the daily atrocities faced by citizens, including kidnappings and attacks by bandits. He noted the alarming frequency of such incidents, with police reports indicating no fewer than 50 bandit attacks occurring weekly.

Despite acknowledging government efforts, the bishops expressed that the security situation continues to deteriorate. Rev. Augustine Akubuez praised Cardinal Okogie's courage in speaking against injustice and bad governance throughout Nigeria's tumultuous history, emphasizing the need for political and religious leaders to uphold moral responsibility.