The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has issued a strong warning to the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government over the worsening wave of killings, kidnappings and displacement across the country, declaring that Nigeria’s security crisis has reached an “intolerable crest.”
The bishops demanded urgent and decisive action from the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies, insisting that Nigerians can no longer continue to live under the threat of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
The Catholic leaders spoke in a statement issued following the reported abduction of more than 60 worshippers from a mosque in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State and the killing of 47 people in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, where 17 others were reportedly critically wounded.
The statement, titled “Stop The Slaughter In Borgu And Ukum, Stop The Killings In Nigeria,” was signed by the President of the CBCN and Archbishop of Kaduna Diocese, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso.
The bishops expressed deep sorrow over the continuing bloodshed, saying Nigerians were being killed and abducted in places that should ordinarily be safe, including places of worship, markets and 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 attacks in Niger and Benue as clear evidence of the worsening breakdown of security and expressed solidarity with the victims, their families and communities affected by the violence.
The bishops particularly expressed solidarity with Muslims in Niger State following the reported abduction of worshippers from a mosque.
“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.
According to the bishops, an attack on a place of worship should not be treated merely as another security incident, stressing that “an attack on any place of worship is an attack on our collective humanity.”
The CBCN called on the Federal Government, state governments, security chiefs and political leaders to intensify efforts to protect citizens, insisting that authorities must not stop until Nigerians can live, work and worship without fear.
Although the bishops acknowledged that some efforts were being made by the authorities, they said the continuing attacks demonstrated the need for a more proactive and intelligence-driven 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,” the bishops said.
They demanded the deployment of intelligence-led security operations capable of identifying criminal networks, locating their operational bases and dismantling them 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 read.
The bishops also demanded swift prosecution of those behind the killings and kidnappings, including individuals or organisations suspected of financing or sponsoring criminal activities.
“Bring perpetrators and their sponsors, regardless of their status or affiliations, to justice swiftly, as impunity fuels repetition,” they said.
The religious leaders further appealed directly to bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and their sponsors to abandon violence, warning that no cause could justify the deliberate killing of innocent people.
“To the bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and their sponsors, we plead that you stop the bloodshed!” the bishops said.
“Human life belongs to God alone, and no cause justifies this cruelty.”
The warning comes amid renewed violence in Plateau State, particularly in Mangu Local Government Area, where several deadly attacks have reportedly claimed dozens of lives and raised fears of reprisal attacks.
At least 25 people were reportedly killed in an overnight attack in Plateau State on August 18, according to Reuters.
Local and other Nigerian media reports put the death toll from the attack on the Bin-Per community in Mangu at between 26 and 28 people, while several houses and farmlands were also reportedly destroyed.
The violence has continued in other parts of Plateau State. On August 24, two security operatives were reportedly killed and their rifles seized after gunmen attacked communities in Riyom Local Government Area.
Earlier in August, attacks on several Berom communities in Plateau reportedly left two people dead, another person injured and several 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, while about 45 residential shelters were reportedly destroyed.
The bishops said the scale and frequency of the attacks should force authorities to reconsider a security approach that often responds after lives and property have already been lost.
They insisted that preventing attacks must become a central priority, rather than merely deploying security personnel after communities have been attacked.
“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.
The CBCN also urged Nigerians not to surrender to fear or despair 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,” the bishops said.
The Catholic bishops prayed for the families of those killed, the recovery of those wounded and the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
They concluded by appealing for divine intervention and an end to the cycle of violence ravaging communities across the country.
“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.