Catholic Bishops
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the country, describing the recent abduction of worshippers in Niger State and the deadly attack in Benue State as evidence of a dangerous escalation in violence.
In a statement issued on August 26, 2026, and signed by the President of the Conference, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna Archdiocese, the bishops lamented what they described as the relentless bloodshed across Nigeria, urging authorities to take decisive steps to protect lives and restore public confidence.
The conference cited the abduction of more than 60 worshippers from a mosque in Borgu, Niger State, alongside the killing of 47 people and the injuring of 17 others in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, saying the incidents reflect a severe deterioration in the nation’s security.
The bishops declared, “The blood of your brother cries out to me from the ground” (Genesis 4:10), adding that the country had reached “an intolerable crest” of insecurity.
According to the statement, “Whether in a mosque, a church, a marketplace, or the quiet of their homes, Nigerians are still being slaughtered, traumatised, and displaced with impunity.”
The conference extended condolences to families who lost loved ones in the Benue attack and prayed for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment. It also expressed solidarity with Muslims affected by the Borgu abduction, calling for the immediate and safe release of all the kidnapped worshippers.
The bishops stressed that “An attack on any place of worship is an attack on our collective humanity.”
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by government and security agencies, the conference urged political leaders and security chiefs not to relent until the constitutional responsibility of safeguarding citizens is fully achieved.
Addressing public officials, the statement said, “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 also called for proactive intelligence-driven security operations aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts before attacks occur. They further demanded the speedy prosecution of those responsible for the violence, including anyone sponsoring criminal activities, irrespective of their social or political status.
The statement noted, “Bring perpetrators and their sponsors, regardless of their status or affiliations, to justice swiftly, as impunity fuels repetition.”
The conference equally appealed directly to armed groups operating across the country to abandon violence and embrace peace.
It stated, “To the bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and their sponsors, we plead that you stop the bloodshed! Human life belongs to God alone, and no cause justifies this cruelty. You cannot build a future on the tears of innocent persons.”
Quoting the Bible, the bishops warned, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7), urging those behind the attacks to lay down their weapons, renounce violence and respect the sanctity of human life before “divine judgment overtakes” them.
The conference concluded by encouraging Nigerians not to lose faith despite the persistent insecurity, urging citizens to remain united in prayer for peace, justice and national healing.
The bishops prayed, “May the God of peace restore order to our nation, comfort those who mourn, and touch the hearts of those who inflict pain.”
