Catholic Bishops Condemn Borgu, Ukum Killings, Urge FG To End Insecurity

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has condemned the recent wave of killings, abductions and violence across the country and called on the federal authorities and security agencies to take urgent steps to protect the citizens and restore confidence in the nation’s security system.

In a statement titled, “Stop the Slaughter in Borgu and Ukum, Stop the Killings in Nigeria,” signed by the president of CBCN and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, the bishops expressed sadness over what they described as an “unabated trail of blood and terror” spreading across the country.

The bishops specifically condemned the abduction of over 60 worshippers from a mosque in Borgu, Niger State, and the killing of 47 citizens in Ukum local government area of Benue State, where 17 others were reportedly injured.

They said the attacks represented a dangerous decline in Nigeria’s security situation, noting that the citizens were being “slaughtered, traumatised and displaced with impunity”, irrespective of whether they were in places of worship, markets, homes or communities.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families in Benue State and pray for the quick recovery of the wounded. 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 abducted worshippers,” the statement reads.

The CBCN stressed that an attack on any place of worship was an attack on humanity, urging Nigerians to reject divisions and remain united against forces promoting violence.

The bishops also appealed to government officials, security chiefs and political leaders not to relent in their responsibility of securing lives and property, urging the deployment of proactive and intelligence-driven measures to prevent attacks before they occur.

“We appeal once more on behalf of all Nigerians that you deploy proactive, intelligence-led security to neutralise criminal hubs before they strike. Also, bring perpetrators and their sponsors, regardless of their status or affiliations, to justice swiftly,” the statement added.

Addressing terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and their sponsors, the Catholic leaders urged them to stop the bloodshed, stressing that human life remained sacred.

“We plead that you stop the bloodshed! Human life belongs to God alone, and no one justifies this cruelty,” the bishops said, calling on criminals to lay down their arms, turn away from violence and respect the sanctity of life.

The bishops further urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the security challenges confronting the country, encouraging citizens to remain steadfast in prayer for peace, security and divine intervention.

“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.