They noted that in some instances, there have been disturbing reports of delayed or withheld security responses, giving the impression of possible collusion or a lack of will to act. T
The Bishops noted that the near-total destruction and occupation of some communities, and the continued attacks on displaced persons even in camps, have deepened the people’s sense of abandonment and despair.”
“Such prolonged, unbearable conditions have given credence to allegations of ‘genocide’ in some quarters. Yet, mindful of the sacred dignity and inestimable worth of every human life, we are equally deeply concerned that Muslims and many other innocent citizens of diverse ethnic backgrounds have also been victims of this same cruelty that continues to desecrate our common humanity,” CBCN members said.
They went on to detail several recent incidents: worshippers abducted in Kwara State (later released), 25 young girls kidnapped in Kebbi State, 13 female farmers seized in Borno State, 265 students and teachers abducted in Papiri, Niger State, and over seventy persons killed in Southern Taraba, a tragedy that displaced thousands.
Amid the persistent security challenges, CBCN members called on the government to “urgently and decisively fulfil its foremost duty, as mandated by Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, to protect the lives and property of all citizens.”
“The Government has both the responsibility and the means to end this violence and must no longer allow impunity to prevail. Those responsible for these heinous crimes must be identified and brought to justice, for without accountability there can be no lasting peace,” the Catholic Church leaders emphasized.
They added, “The Government must also take all lawful and urgent measures to secure the immediate and safe return of all abducted persons, including the young girls taken in Kebbi, the pupils and teachers seized in Kontagora, and the young females abducted in Borno, and ensure that displaced citizens can return to their ancestral homes.”
This moment, the Catholic Bishops said, “calls for decisive action to halt the terror engulfing our nation and for meaningful dialogue and peacebuilding aimed at restoring confidence among our people.”
They insisted that lasting peace cannot be achieved through “silence or delay. It requires justice, courage, and a firm commitment to the sanctity of human life. Nigerians and the global community can no longer tolerate excuses for continued insecurity.”
In the statement, CBCN members also criticised ongoing discrimination against Christian minorities in several northern states, including denial of land for church construction and the destruction of worship centres during insurgency attacks.
