Bishops urge an end to massacres in Nigeria
ACN continues to accompany the Church in Nigeria in its efforts to counteract the effects of endemic violence, and its appeals for peace in the country.
The Catholic bishops of Nigeria have issued a passionate appeal for peace, following recent massacres in the regions of Borgu and Ukum.
Dozens of people were killed in the attacks, which are unrelated. In the case of Borgu, suspicion falls on jihadist militants, whereas in the case of Ukum the attackers are believed to be armed gangs of ethnic Fulani herders.
“The recent barbaric abduction of over 60 worshippers from a Mosque in Borgu, Niger State, and the horrific massacre of 47 innocent citizens, with 17 others critically wounded, in Ukum, Benue State, represent a worsened breakdown of security. 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 bishops wrote, in a statement sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
Although the violence in Nigeria is often spoken of in terms of clashes between Muslims and Christians, in the case of Borgu both attackers and victims were Muslim. In their statement, the bishops made a point of expressing solidarity with the victims.
“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. An attack on any place of worship is an attack on our collective humanity.”
Nigeria has been suffering from instability for years. The violence is particularly evident along the country’s Middle Belt, where the majority Muslim north meets the majority Christian south, and where nomadic herders have been increasing their attacks on settled farmers for grazing land. The north has also seen attacks carried out by jihadist groups and the entire country has been affected by kidnappings for ransom, which have become an industry in the country.
In their statement, the bishops called on the authorities to do better in securing peace for its citizens.
“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 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.”
“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, as impunity fuels repetition,” the bishops added.
Finally, the bishops issued an appeal directly to those responsible for the attacks, asking them to repent and embrace peace. “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.”
“We call on you to lay down your arms, turn away from evil, and respect the sanctity of human life before divine judgment overtakes you,” the statement warned.
The document bears the signature of the president of the Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, of Kaduna, a diocese that has been badly affected by violence over the past years.
ACN has been accompanying the situation in Nigeria with growing concern for many years, and works closely with the local Church to address the fallout of the violence, including caring for the many thousands of internally displaced.
Recently, in a project with the local diocese, ACN helped rebuild the village of Adama Dutse, which had been attacked and razed, allowing its citizens to return to their native land, rather than languish in camps or be resettled elsewhere.
Recommended
