The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has condemned the persistent wave of killings and abductions across the country, describing the situation as a “slaughterhouse” and a grave assault on human life and dignity.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Secretary General of CSN Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, and the National Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh on Saturday in Abuja.
CSN expressed outrage over what it called the government’s failure to halt recurring mass violence, despite repeated assurances and security interventions.
The Catholic body lamented that many Nigerians now live in constant fear, while communities continue to be destroyed by unchecked attacks.
The CSN particularly cited reports of a coordinated attack in Woro, Kwara State, where over 160 civilians were allegedly killed outside any declared war situation.
It also referenced recurring killings and abductions in Agwara and Tungan Gero communities in Niger State, the destruction of farming settlements in parts of Katsina and Kaduna States, and the prolonged violence in Borno State.
According to the Secretariat, these incidents go beyond mere instability and amount to massacres enabled by silence and impunity.
“This is not instability but a betrayal of every Nigerian’s right to live in peace,” the statement said.
The CSN reminded political leaders that the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to life and security, stressing that governance loses its moral authority when citizens are killed without consequence.
It warned that continued silence and failure to punish perpetrators risk making authorities complicit in the violence.
The Catholic body further noted that Nigeria is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which uphold the sanctity of life.
CSN lamented that these commitments appear to be disregarded as killings persist nationwide.
As part of its recommendations, the CSN urged the Federal Government to urgently review its security architecture by redeploying security personnel to vulnerable communities rather than focusing on ceremonial duties.
It also called for the identification and prosecution of sponsors and enablers of violence, regardless of their status.
The Secretariat further demanded the arrest and punishment of all perpetrators, warning that impunity only fuels further bloodshed.
It also called for urgent humanitarian relief, psychosocial support and compensation for victims and their families, alongside efforts to rebuild destroyed communities.
“Nigeria stands at a crossroads,” the statement noted, warning that mass graves must not be allowed to define the nation’s future.
The CSN called on political, religious and community leaders to set aside divisions and work collectively to restore peace and dignity across the country.
