The Catholic Church in northern Nigeria has intensified its public pressure on the government following a new wave of attacks in the country’s northern and central regions. These recent violent outbreaks have left hundreds dead and many more abducted, prompting several Catholic organizations and dioceses to call for an immediate increase in military and police presence to stem the spreading criminality.
A «Massacre Allowed by Silence» in Woro
On February 3, 2026, more than 160 people were massacred in Woro, Kwara State, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Reports indicate the victims were predominantly Muslim, targeted by jihadist militants for refusing to embrace an extremist version of Islam.
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), the administrative arm of the Nigerian Catholic Bishops Conference, issued a powerful statement on February 7 decrying the «relentless wave of killings».
“The recurring carnage has become a stain on the conscience of our nation. How can it be justified that, outside of war, over 160 innocent civilians were slaughtered in one coordinated attack in Woro, Kwara State? […] This is not ‘instability’ but a massacre allowed by silence and a betrayal of every Nigerian’s right to live in peace”.
Farmlands Transformed into Zones of Danger
Joint appeals from the ecclesiastical provinces of Kaduna, Abuja, and Jos—representing over 20 dioceses—highlighted the devastating impact on rural communities. Persistent kidnappings and the occupation of farming communities have created a climate of deep uncertainty and trauma.
“Farmlands meant to sustain life have increasingly become places of danger, forcing many farmers to abandon their means of livelihood and thereby worsening hunger and poverty. […] A society cannot flourish where human life is continually threatened”.
Targeting the Clergy and Local Communities
The violence has directly affected the Church’s ministry. Father Emanuel Ezema remains in captivity following his abduction in the Diocese of Zaria. More recently, Father Nathaniel Asuwaye of the Diocese of Kafanchan was kidnapped along with eight laypeople in an attack that resulted in at least three deaths.
In the Diocese of Kontagora, Bishop Bulus Yohanna has formally requested the establishment of a fully equipped military base. This follows the November 2025 abduction of 320 people from a Catholic school in Papiri. While the Bishop thanked the government for the safe return of those students, he emphasized the need for permanent security resources to neutralize armed groups.
International Solidarity and Support
The escalating crisis led Pope Leo XIV to condemn the violence during his weekly Angelus prayer in Rome.
“It is with sorrow and concern that I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria leading to a heavy loss of life. I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims of violence and terrorism”.
The international charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) continues to treat Nigeria as a priority country, supporting local projects and calling on benefactors to pray for the restoration of peace and justice.
