Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria has issued a scathing condemnation of the escalating violence across the country, demanding that the Federal Government and security agencies take urgent action to end what they describe as an "intolerable" wave of killings and abductions. In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, and signed by the CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, the bishops expressed "heavy hearts and deep sorrow" over the unabated trail of blood and terror sweeping the nation. The Catholic leaders specifically condemned the recent abduction of more than 60 worshippers from a mosque in Borgu, Niger State, and the massacre of 47 people in Ukum, Benue State, where 17 others were critically wounded.
The bishops lamented that Nigerians continue to be slaughtered, traumatised, and displaced with impunity, regardless of where they live or worship. "Whether in a mosque, a church, a marketplace, or the quiet of their homes, Nigerians are still being slaughtered, traumatised, and displaced with impunity," they declared. The Catholic leaders expressed solidarity with the Muslim community following the abduction of worshippers in Niger State, praying for their immediate and safe release. They emphasised that attacks on places of worship affect society as a whole, insisting that "an attack on any place of worship is an attack on our collective humanity".
While acknowledging efforts being made by government authorities, the bishops urged political leaders and security chiefs not to relent until Nigerians can live in safety. "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 of the citizens are guaranteed," they said. The CBCN called for proactive, intelligence-led security operations capable of identifying and dismantling criminal networks before they launch attacks. They further demanded the swift prosecution of those responsible for violence, including their sponsors, irrespective of their status or affiliations, warning that "impunity fuels repetition".
The Catholic Bishops also addressed bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and their sponsors directly, urging them to stop the bloodshed. "To the bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and their sponsors, we plead that you stop the bloodshed!" the bishops said. They underscored the sanctity of human life and rejected any justification for the killing of innocent people. "Human life belongs to God alone, and no cause justifies this cruelty. You cannot build a future on the tears of innocent persons," they declared. Quoting Galatians 6:7, the bishops warned perpetrators that they would ultimately reap the consequences of their actions: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows".
The CBCN's statement comes amid a worsening security crisis that has seen terrorist groups and bandits intensify attacks across the North-Central and North-West regions. On Friday, August 21, 2026, suspected terrorists invaded the Kpenya Mosque in Dekara District, Borgu Local Government Area, during Juma'at prayers and abducted scores of worshippers. According to local residents, about 600 women, children, and elderly people were taken captive, though the figure could not be independently verified. The attackers also raided neighbouring communities, kidnapping the village head of Ka'ada and the 90-year-old father of the District Head of Dekara. The assault on Borgu is one of the largest mass abductions in Nigeria in recent years, exposing the fragile security situation in communities bordering the Kainji Lake National Park, a known hideout for terrorist groups.
In a separate attack on Monday, August 24, 2026, gunmen invaded Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, killing 47 people and leaving 17 others critically wounded. The massacre in Ukum is part of a recurring cycle of violence that has plagued Benue State for years, with armed herders and bandits frequently targeting farming communities. The Catholic Bishops' condemnation of the Ukum killings echoes earlier statements by the CBCN, which has consistently accused both the Federal and Benue State governments of failing in their primary responsibility to protect lives and ensure public safety.
The bishops' call for intelligence-led operations and the prosecution of terror sponsors comes as the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, deployed a rescue team to Niger State following the Borgu abduction. The rescue team, headed by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, includes components of the state tactical team, counter-terrorism squad, the Department of State Services, and the military. The Commissioner for Homeland Security in Niger State, Mr. Maurice Magaji, said the government had provided every logistics needed for the operation and was determined to rescue all the victims. However, residents have expressed frustration over the slow pace of the rescue effort, with one community leader lamenting that "nobody can tell you the exact number of people abducted because, so far, about 80 of our people have been abducted and many have fled the area."
The CBCN's statement also highlights a growing consensus among religious leaders that the government's response to insecurity has been inadequate. The bishops' demand for accountability and their warning against complacency reflect the deep anxiety among Nigerians over the human and economic costs of the escalating violence. Their solidarity with the Muslim community in Niger State and their condemnation of attacks on places of worship underscore the shared vulnerability of all Nigerians, regardless of their faith. "The protection of human life must remain the priority of government," the bishops insisted, urging political leaders and security chiefs to intensify efforts to restore confidence in the country's security architecture.
As the nation continues to grapple with the devastating toll of terrorism and banditry, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria has made it clear that the time for half-measures is over. Their message to the government is unequivocal: secure the citizens, prosecute the perpetrators, and end the impunity that has allowed violence to flourish. Their message to the criminals is equally stark: lay down your arms and turn away from violence, or face the consequences of your actions, both on earth and before God. The bishops' appeal to Nigerians not to lose hope is a call to resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity, but the weight of their words carries an unmistakable urgency: the blood of the innocent cries out, and the nation must respond.
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