Catholic Bishops Demand End To Killings In Nigeria, Condemn Benue, Plateau Terrorist Attacks | Sahara Reporters

The bishops said Nigerians were being killed and abducted regardless of whether they were in places of worship, marketplaces or their homes.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has demanded the All Progressives Congress led Federal Government and security agencies to put an end to the worsening killings, kidnappings and displacement of Nigerians by terrorists.

The bishops warned that the country’s security crisis has reached an “intolerable crest.”

In a statement following the reported abduction of more than 60 worshippers from a mosque in Borgu, Niger State, and the killing of 47 people in Ukum, Benue State, with 17 others reportedly critically wounded, the bishops unequivocally stated that enough is enough of the bloodletting.

The statement, which SaharaReporters obtained on Thursday, titled “Stop The Slaughter In Borgu And Ukum, Stop The Killings In Nigeria,” was signed by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, President of the CBCN and Archbishop of Kaduna Diocese.

The bishops said Nigerians were being killed and abducted regardless of whether they were in places of worship, marketplaces or their homes.

“With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria once again decries the unabated trail of blood and terror across our nation which has reached an intolerable crest,” the bishops said.

They described the reported attacks in Niger and Benue as evidence of a worsening breakdown of security and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.

“We stand in firm solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Niger State, and all over Nigeria, praying for the immediate and safe release of all 60 abducted worshippers,” they said. “An attack on any place of worship is an attack on our collective humanity.”

The CBCN urged the Nigerian
government, state governments, security chiefs and political leaders to intensify efforts to protect citizens, stressing that government must not relent until Nigerians can live safely.

While acknowledging that some efforts were being made, the bishops said the continuing attacks required a more proactive security strategy.

“The tears of bereaved families in Niger, Benue, and across every geopolitical zone in Nigeria must worry you enough to do everything possible to stop this carnage in our land,” they said.

The bishops specifically called for intelligence-led security operations capable of identifying and dismantling criminal networks before they launch attacks.

“We appeal once more on behalf of all Nigerians that you deploy proactive, intelligence-led security to neutralise criminal hubs before they strike,” the statement partly read.

They also demanded swift prosecution of those responsible for killings and kidnappings, including individuals or organisations allegedly sponsoring criminal activities.

“Bring perpetrators and their sponsors, regardless of their status or affiliations, to justice swiftly, as impunity fuels repetition,” the bishops said.

The religious leaders also appealed directly to bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and their sponsors to abandon violence.

“To the bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and their sponsors, we plead that you stop the bloodshed!” they said.

“Human life belongs to God alone, and no cause justifies this cruelty.”

The bishops’ warning comes amid a fresh wave of deadly attacks in Plateau State, particularly in Mangu Local Government Area, where scores of people have reportedly been killed in recent weeks.

At least 25 people were killed in an overnight attack in Plateau on August 18, according to Reuters, with the incident raising fears of reprisal violence in the state.

Local and other Nigerian media reports put the death toll from the Bin-Per community attack in Mangu at between 26 and 28, with several houses and farmlands also destroyed.

The latest violence has, however, continued to generate concern. On August 24, two security operatives were reportedly killed and their rifles seized after gunmen attacked communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Earlier in August, attacks on several Berom communities in Plateau reportedly left two people dead, another injured and houses burnt.

The Federal Ministry of Information also reported that at least 23 people were killed in an August 17 attack on Jwak Maitumbi community in Mangu, where about 45 residential shelters were reportedly destroyed.

The CBCN said the scale and frequency of attacks across Nigeria should compel authorities to adopt measures capable of preventing attacks rather than merely responding after lives have been lost.

“To those in government at all levels, security chiefs, and political leaders, while we commend some efforts being made, we urge that you do not give up on this responsibility until the security and welfare for the citizens are guaranteed,” the bishops said.

They also urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the worsening security situation.

“Finally, we urge all Nigerians never to lose hope in Nigeria, but to remain steadfast in prayer for peace, security, and divine intervention in our land,” they said.

The bishops prayed for the families of those killed, the recovery of the wounded and the safe return of the abducted worshippers.

“May the God of peace restore order to our nation, comfort those who mourn, and touch the hearts of those who inflict pain,” the statement concluded.