Bishops of Nigeria have issued a passionate appeal for peace following recent massacres in the regions of Borgu and Ukum, where dozens of people were killed in separate, unrelated attacks. In Borgu, suspicion falls on jihadist militants who abducted over 60 worshippers from a mosque, whereas in Ukum the attackers are believed to be armed gangs of ethnic Fulani herders who killed 47 innocent citizens and left 17 critically wounded. In an official statement sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the bishops denounced the breakdown of security:
“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”.
Interreligious solidarity and demands from the bishops of Nigeria
Although violence in Nigeria is frequently framed as a conflict between Muslims and Christians, both attackers and victims in Borgu were Muslim, prompting explicit solidarity from the Catholic episcopate:
“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 suffered from long-term instability, particularly along the Middle Belt, where the majority Muslim north meets the majority Christian south and where nomadic herders have intensified attacks on settled farmers for grazing land. The north also faces jihadist incursions, while ransom kidnappings have developed into a national industry. Addressing the government, the bishops urged decisive action:
“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 also addressed the perpetrators directly:
“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”.
Episcopal signoff and ACN’s ongoing commitment
The declaration bears the signature of the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna, a diocese severely impacted by violence in recent years.
ACN continues to work closely with the local Church to mitigate the impact of ongoing violence and support thousands of internally displaced persons. Recently, through a joint project with the local diocese, ACN helped rebuild the destroyed village of Adama Dutse, enabling its residents to return to their native land instead of remaining in displacement camps.
