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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Nigeria's Catholic bishops lament worsening insecurity, demand urgent government action

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Catholic bishops in Nigeria express deep concern over the escalating insecurity nationwide.
  • They lament the persistent killings, kidnappings, and violence, stating "everyone is tired" of the situation.
  • The bishops urge President Bola Tinubu and government officials to intensify efforts to restore peace and empower security agencies.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has voiced profound dismay over the deteriorating security situation across the country, declaring that "everyone is tired" of the relentless killings, kidnappings, and violence plaguing Nigeria.

We are aware of the challenges facing Nigeria at this time; most significantly, the issue of insecurity is the one problem that breaks the heart of everyone here.

— Most Rev. Alfred MartinsArchbishop of Lagos expressing the collective distress over Nigeria's insecurity.

During a special thanksgiving Mass in Lagos, Archbishop of Lagos and CBCN Vice President, Most Rev. Alfred Martins, implored President Bola Tinubu and all levels of government to redouble their efforts in restoring peace and security. Martins highlighted the daily news of atrocities committed by Boko Haram, bandits, and other criminals, noting the increasing incidents of kidnappings, ambushes on security personnel, and the displacement of communities.

Every day we hear of people being kidnapped by so-called bandits and other criminals. We hear of soldiers being ambushed and killed, including generals; people being displaced from their homes and even traditional rulers fleeing their domains for fear of attack.

— Most Rev. Alfred MartinsArchbishop Martins detailing the pervasive nature of insecurity in Nigeria.

"Every day we hear of people being kidnapped by so-called bandits and other criminals. We hear of soldiers being ambushed and killed, including generals; people being displaced from their homes and even traditional rulers fleeing their domains for fear of attack," Martins stated, expressing bewilderment at the ongoing crisis. He suggested that the most meaningful birthday gift for Emeritus Archbishop Anthony Cardinal Okogie, who was celebrating his 90th birthday, would be a safer and more peaceful nation.

One great gift that can be given to him is for those who have responsibility for leading us at all levels of government to step up their efforts so that people can live in peace, sleep with both eyes closed and travel the streets without fear and anguish.

— Most Rev. Alfred MartinsArchbishop Martins linking national security to a fitting tribute for Cardinal Okogie.

Martins stressed that security agencies require adequate empowerment and encouragement to face the risks inherent in their profession. He asserted that despite government efforts and dialogues, the security situation continues to worsen. Nigeria has recently experienced a surge in insecurity, with numerous bandit attacks and abductions reported across various states, including Borno, Oyo, Kwara, and Ekiti. The bishops emphasized that the path forward requires decisive action from all levels of government and security forces.

Everyone is tired. Government at all levels and the security agencies should do more.

— Most Rev. Alfred MartinsA direct call for increased action from authorities to address the security crisis.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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