Nigerian Bishops Warn of Rising Fragility, Call On Government To Restore Security And National Stability
As violent attacks intensify across Nigeria and fear spreads through communities, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has warned that the nation is drifting deeper into instability, unless the government acts urgently and decisively.
In a strongly worded statement titled “Peace in Nigeria: Moving from Fragility to Stability,” the Bishops lamented the “deplorable security situation” and the rising tensions weakening the country’s social and religious fabric.
The CBCN condemned a series of recent attacks that have left families devastated and entire communities traumatised.
These include the kidnapping of worshippers in Kwara State, the abduction of 25 girls in Kebbi, the capture of 13 female farmers in Borno, the seizure of 265 students and teachers in Papiri, Niger State, and the killing of over 70 people in Southern Taraba.
Such incidents, the Bishops warned, strike at the heart of family life, education, and national cohesion. “When criminals can strike schools, farms, and communities with impunity, it violates our shared humanity and endangers the future of our nation,” they said.
Reaffirming the government’s constitutional duty, they cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution and urged authorities to protect lives and property without delay.
They also called for thorough investigations into reports of delayed or inadequate security responses.
The Bishops demanded immediate efforts to free all abducted persons, including schoolchildren, teachers, and young girls taken in recent attacks across the North.
Beyond insecurity, the CBCN raised concerns about what it described as persistent violations of Christian minority rights in some northern states, including denial of land for church buildings, destruction of existing worship centres, and the expanding powers of Sharia courts and morality enforcement groups such as Hisbah.
Recalling the killing of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto, they renewed their call for justice, warning that unanswered crimes only fuel impunity and weaken the rule of law.
Despite the grim realities, the Bishops praised Nigerians for their resilience and urged citizens to reject hatred and division while working towards peace, justice, and mutual respect.
Signed by Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the CBCN, and Bishop Donatus Ogun, Secretary, the statement concluded with a prayer for national healing and restoration.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n
