Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has condemned what it described as the “utterly barbaric massacre” of innocent citizens in Benue State and the devastating floods in Niger State, calling both crises a “scandal against our common humanity.”
Speaking through their President, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of the Archdiocese of Owerri, the bishops said they were heartbroken and filled with deep anguish over the continued bloodshed in Benue State where defenceless communities have been “slaughtered,” homes razed, and families thrown into mourning.
“There is no justification whatsoever for the continuous bloodletting that has become the daily reality of many in Benue State and across Nigeria,” the bishops declared. “These cold-blooded attacks are an affront to God, a stain on our shared humanity, and a terrifying reminder of the utter breakdown of security in our land.”
Describing the attacks as a “grave moral and constitutional failure,” the bishops called for immediate, firm, and sustained action from both the Benue State and Federal Governments. “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,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the state government’s efforts in infrastructural development—including the opening of impoverished neighbourhoods in Makurdi and consistent salary payments—the bishops emphasized that such achievements are “nullified by the continued failure to secure lives and property.”
They further challenged Nigeria’s security agencies to break the cycle of impunity by bringing professionalism, intelligence, and compassion to bear. “The perpetrators of these heinous crimes must be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice without delay,” they urged.
In the same vein, the bishops expressed profound sorrow over the recent floods that have devastated Mokwa and surrounding communities in Niger State. The floods, which claimed many lives and displaced hundreds, were described as another layer of Nigeria’s tragedy.
“The scale of this disaster calls for urgent, coordinated relief and rehabilitation efforts,” the bishops noted, while commending the initial government response and urging for more “comprehensive and compassionate action.”
They also called for proactive and preventive measures to mitigate future disasters, especially as climate-related emergencies continue to rise in frequency and intensity.
In their concluding message, the Catholic Church extended spiritual solidarity to all affected: “To the bereaved, displaced, traumatised, 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,” Archbishop Ugorji stated.
