Nigeria’s Catholic bishops are demanding a stronger security response after worshippers were abducted from a mosque in Niger State and deadly violence claimed dozens of lives in Benue State.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to step up efforts against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, warning that the continuing attacks require a more effective approach to prevention.
CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, condemned the violence in Niger and Benue states and expressed particular concern over the abduction of Muslim worshippers during Jumu’at prayers in Borgu, Niger State.
The bishops called for the immediate rescue and safe return of everyone abducted from the mosque.
Bishops Mourn Benue Victims
The Catholic leadership also expressed sympathy to families affected by the violence in Ukum, Benue State, where 47 people were reportedly killed and another 17 seriously injured.
The bishops said the scale of the attacks demonstrated that security agencies must do more than respond after violence has occurred.
They urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and preventive operations so that planned attacks can be disrupted before criminals reach vulnerable communities.
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Target Criminal Networks, Not Just Attacks
The CBCN called for security agencies to identify and dismantle the hideouts, supply chains and operational networks used by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
It also demanded that those responsible for attacks—and anyone financing or sponsoring them—be prosecuted.
According to the bishops, meaningful accountability is essential to prevent armed groups from operating with the expectation that they will avoid punishment.
Religion Must Not Determine Whose Life Matters
The bishops stressed that the identity or faith of victims should never influence the urgency of the government’s response.
They expressed solidarity with the Muslim community in Niger State, saying the safety of civilians must remain the central concern regardless of religion, ethnicity or geographical location.
The CBCN also warned against attempts to interpret insecurity primarily through religious, ethnic or political divisions.
Attacks on worshippers, communities and other civilians, they argued, represent a threat to Nigerians as a whole.
“No Grievance” Justifies Killing Civilians
The bishops maintained that the killing and abduction of innocent people cannot be defended on political, ethnic or religious grounds.
They urged Nigerians to resist efforts to divide communities along those lines and instead maintain solidarity in confronting violence.
The conference also called on political leaders and security chiefs to intensify efforts to rebuild public confidence in the country’s security system.
Government Must Do More
While acknowledging steps already taken by the government, the CBCN cautioned against assuming that existing measures are sufficient.
The bishops said the persistence of deadly attacks demonstrates that additional action is urgently required, particularly to protect communities considered vulnerable to terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
They also appealed directly to bandits and kidnappers to abandon criminal activities and choose peace.
The conference prayed for the safe recovery of the abducted worshippers and offered condolences to families who lost relatives in the recent violence.
A Call for Equal Protection
The CBCN’s central message was straightforward: every Nigerian life deserves the same protection.
The bishops urged the government to make the safety of citizens—regardless of faith, ethnicity or location—a core priority as it confronts the country’s worsening security crisis.