Faith
Catholic Church Calls for Peace in Nigeria
Faith Facts
- The Catholic Church urges the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to end violence impacting Christian communities.
- Bishops warn that violence against Christians in Nigeria is becoming habitual, with some attacks gaining a genocidal character.
- Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern and called for authorities to act with determination to protect innocent lives.
Nigeria continues to face violence against Christians and other vulnerable groups. Faith leaders are calling for the nation to uphold the sanctity of life and justice.
Kidnappings, murders, and massacres have become disturbingly common, and recent months have seen attacks against both Christian and Muslim communities.
Bishop Wilfred Anagbe has warned that attacks during Christian festivals are becoming
“customary”
in certain regions.
Bishop John Bakeni noted that, in some places, the violence has
“assumed genocidal character.”
The Nigerian President has declared a state of emergency and increased police presence, yet tragedies persist, highlighting the urgent need for faith-driven action.
In January, a pastor and his family were killed.
Over 160 Christians were abducted during services, and many innocent men lost their lives to bandit attacks.
Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, a Catholic priest, was kidnapped by gunmen on February 7.
Jihadist militants killed 160 people in Kwara state for refusing extremism.
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria said,
“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?”
“How do we explain the repeated killings and abductions in Agwara and Tungan Gero in Niger State, the wiping out of entire farming communities in Katsina and Kaduna, and the ongoing violence in Borno? This is not ‘instability’ but a massacre allowed by silence and a betrayal of every Nigerian’s right to live in peace.”
The Church urges government leaders to pursue justice for victims and support for survivors, in accordance with moral and biblical principles.
Pope Leo XIV spoke about Nigeria’s situation, stating,
“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. I likewise hope that the competent authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of the life of every citizen.”
In times of crisis, believers are called to stand for truth, defend the innocent, and pray for peace, trusting that righteous leadership can restore hope and security for all.