By John Dike, Osogbo
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has condemned the recent killings in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State and the abduction of over 60 worshippers from a mosque in Borgu, Niger State, describing the incidents as evidence of a worsening security crisis in the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday and signed by the President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, they expressed deep sorrow over what they described as an “unabated trail of blood and terror” across Nigeria.
The Conference said the reported abduction of over 60 Muslim worshippers in Borgu, Niger State, as well as the killing of 47 people and critical injuries sustained by 17 others in Ukum, Benue State, represented a disturbing breakdown of security.
According to the Bishops, Nigerians were increasingly being “slaughtered, traumatised and displaced with impunity,” regardless of whether they were in places of worship, marketplaces or their homes.
The Catholic leaders extended condolences to the families of those killed in Benue and prayed for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
They also expressed solidarity with Muslims in Niger State and other parts of the country, calling for the immediate and safe release of the abducted worshippers.
The Bishops stressed that an attack on any place of worship should be regarded as an attack on the collective humanity of Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliation.
They appealed to governments at all levels, security chiefs and political leaders not to relent in their responsibility to protect citizens, stressing that efforts to secure the country must continue until the safety and welfare of Nigerians are guaranteed.
The CBCN urged security agencies to adopt more proactive and intelligence-led strategies capable of identifying and neutralising criminal and terrorist networks before they carry out attacks.
It further called for the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of violence as well as their sponsors, regardless of their political, social or other affiliations.
The Bishops warned that failure to bring perpetrators to justice would continue to fuel a culture of impunity and insecurity in the country.
“Stop the bloodshed,” the Conference appealed to bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and their sponsors, while urging them to lay down their arms, abandon violence and respect the sanctity of human life.
The Catholic leaders also reminded Nigerians that violence against innocent people could not provide a foundation for the country’s future, urging those involved in criminal activities to turn away from evil.
While expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation, the CBCN called on Nigerians not to lose hope in the country.
The Bishops urged citizens to remain steadfast in prayer for peace, security and divine intervention, expressing hope that God would restore order, comfort grieving families and transform the hearts of those responsible for inflicting pain on others.
