News Details

2025-06-27 00:00:00

Bishops condemn Benue killings, call for firm action against perpetrators

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has condemned what it described as

barbaric massacre of innocent citizens in Benue State.

The Bishops, in a statement signed by their President, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the

Archbishop of Owerri, noted that "these cold-blooded attacks on defenseless communities where

countless have been slaughtered, homes destroyed, and families left in anguish—are an affront to

God, a stain on our shared humanity, and a terrifying reminder of the utter

breakdown of security in our land".

They added that "there is no justification whatsoever for the continuous bloodletting that has

become the daily reality of many in Benue State and across Nigeria".

"The relentless attacks on innocent and defenseless communities under the watch of civil

authorities constitute a grave moral and constitutional failure. This carnage must end!"

The Bishops called on the Benue State government and the Federal Government to rise beyond

mere rhetoric and take immediate,

firm and sustained action to secure lives and restore hope to our people, stressing that

"perpetrators of these heinous crimes must be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice

without delay".

They challenged the security agencies to end the culture of impunity and bring professionalism,

intelligence, and compassion to bear in addressing the deepening insecurity.

"Every Nigerian life matters. Every single death in such circumstances is a national tragedy and

a scandal against our common humanity".
The Bishops commended the efforts of the Benue State government, especially in the areas of

infrastructural development, the opening of impoverished neighbourhoods in Makurdi through

road construction, the improved transportation system connecting surrounding villages to the

capital, and the consistent payment of salaries to civil servants between the 23rd and 25th of each

month. These are commendable strides in governance.

"However, no matter how well a government pays salaries or builds roads, its failure to protect

human lives renders its achievements hollow. The sanctity of human life is supreme. It is sacred.

It is inviolable. Any government that

fails to make the safety and protection of its citizens and their property its foremost priority

abdicates its fundamental responsibility and moral

legitimacy".

Reacting to the flood the ravaged Mokwa in Niger State, they said, "we are also deeply saddened

by the devastating floods in Mokwa and surrounding areas in Niger State that have resulted in

enormous loss of life, injury, displacement, and destruction of homes and infrastructure. The

scale of this disaster calls for urgent, coordinated relief and rehabilitation efforts to restore hope

and dignity to the affected communities".

"We commend the government’s response so far, but urge more comprehensive and

compassionate action to support the victims, alleviate their suffering, and rebuild the devastated

areas".

"At the same time, we call on the authorities to take proactive and preventive measures to

mitigate the risk of future disasters and better protect vulnerable communities".

"To the bereaved, displaced, traumatized, and wounded, we extend the deepest sympathy and

spiritual closeness of the Catholic Church in Nigeria. Our hearts break with yours. We pray that

Christ’s mercy brings rest to the souls of the departed and comfort to all who suffer. Amen

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Bishops condemn Benue killings, call for firm action against perpetrators

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