The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has warned that the failure to swiftly prosecute perpetrators of violent attacks is fuelling the recurring cycle of killings, kidnappings and terror across the country.
CBCN disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement signed by its President Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso,.
The bishops made the submission while reacting to the recent abduction of more than 60 worshipers from a mosque in Borgu, Niger State, and the killing of 47 people in Ukum, Benue State.
CBCN said the continued bloodshed had exposed a worsening breakdown of security and demanded stronger intelligence-led operations.
The CBCN said the Ukum attack also left 17 persons critically wounded, while the abducted worshipers in Niger State were yet to regain their freedom.
According to the bishops, “impunity fuels repetition,” insisting that those behind the attacks, including their sponsors, must be brought to justice regardless of their status or affiliations.
“We appeal once more on behalf of all Nigerians that you deploy proactive, intelligence-led security to neutralise criminal hubs before they strike,” the statement said.
The Catholic leaders urged the government at all levels and security chiefs to intensify efforts to protect citizens, saying the continued tears of bereaved and displaced Nigerians should compel authorities to take decisive action.
They stressed that insecurity could no longer be treated as isolated incidents, noting that Nigerians were being attacked in places of worship, markets, homes and communities.
“Whether in a mosque, a church, a marketplace, or the quiet of their homes, Nigerians are still being slaughtered, traumatised, and displaced with impunity,” the bishops said.
The CBCN condemned the attack on the mosque in Borgu, stressing that violence against worshipers should be regarded as an assault on the shared humanity of Nigerians.
“An attack on any place of worship is an attack on our collective humanity,” the bishops declared.
They also appealed to bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and their sponsors to lay down their arms, warning that no cause could justify the killing of innocent citizens.
The bishops expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in Benue and prayed for the recovery of the wounded, while calling for the immediate and safe release of the abducted worshipers.
They urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country but to continue praying for peace, security and divine intervention.
