Catholic Official Decries Rising Insecurity in Nigeria, Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Farmers against Land Grabbers

Lafia, 04 November, 2025 / 5:23 PM

The Coordinator of Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Lafia has expressed concern about the rising insecurity in Nigeria and its devastating impact on farmers and food security in the West African nation.

In an Interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of a medical supply outreach to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Lafia Diocese, which the JDPC organized, Fr. Jude Maigari said the wave of displacement caused by violent attacks, land grabbing, and kidnappings has left many families homeless and hungry.

He called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to take action to protect farmers.

“The rising insecurity in Nigeria is at an alarming rate. Many people have become IDPs because their lives are no longer secure in their communities,” Fr. Maigari told ACI Africa on Monday, November 3.

He added that victims of attacks have been driven from their homes, their houses burned down, and some suffered serious injuries. “They had to run for their dear lives,” he said.

“The government cannot continue to live in denial that they are not aware of the killings going on in the country. They must take concrete actions to restore security and protect farmers from being killed daily,” Fr. Maigari said.

The Nigerian Catholic Priest said investigations by the JDPC revealed multiple causes behind the widespread displacement in Lafia Diocese and other communities. 

“From our findings, a lot is involved. While there are issues of land grabbing, there are also cases of herdsmen trying to displace people from their farms and occupy their land. People who have been farming peacefully for years are suddenly driven away from their lands,” he said.

The JDPC official described the situation as “pathetic,” saying that many farmers who depend solely on agriculture for survival now have no means of livelihood. 

“You have been farming on your land for a very long time, and all of a sudden, people come and drive you away. You cannot live in peace, and you cannot stay there to do your farming,” he lamented.

Fr. Maigari warned that the loss of farmland has far-reaching consequences for food security in the state and across the country.

“The major livelihood of these people is farming. That is how they survive. If that is taken away from them, where then will their help come from?” he posed.

Fr. Maigari noted that the displacement of thousands of farmers will likely lead to food shortages and higher prices for the little that will be available. 

“These are people who farm very well, and much of their produce goes to the market. If they cannot farm this year or harvest their crops, there will be no food in the market. It is a very serious issue,” he said. 

Fr. Maigari warned that the continuous spread of insecurity could lead to increased poverty, displacement, and hunger across the country.

 “If the trend continues, more people will lose their homes, and our communities will become more vulnerable. Security is the foundation of development. Without peace, there can be no farming, no schooling, and no progress,” he said, and called on all stakeholders, including political leaders and community groups, to take decisive steps to restore peace. 

“The time to act is now. Every delay means more suffering, more hunger, and more loss of life,” the Catholic Priest said.

The JDPC Coordinator appealed to the government to act swiftly to protect citizens and restore peace.

“We are calling on the government to try in a very special way to secure people’s lives. If people can live in peace, there will be food for everyone. It is not enough to sympathize with victims. There must be concrete action to stop these attacks and to support those who have lost everything,” he said.

The member of Clergy of Lafia Diocese also called for collaboration between security agencies, traditional leaders, and local communities in rebuilding trust and preventing further violence.

“We must all work together to rebuild trust. When people feel protected, they will return to their farms, and that will benefit the entire country,” he said. 

Fr. Maigari said the Church remains committed to supporting displaced families through relief and advocacy.

“Our role is to bring hope and to stand by those whose lives have been shattered by violence,” he told ACI Africa on the sidelines of the November 3 medical supply outreach initiative.

“We are doing our best, but the government must do more to ensure that such situations do not continue,” he said.

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