In response to the renewed wave of brutal killings in Benue State and other parts of the country, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has issued a National Call for Prayer and Solidarity describing the situation as profoundly heartbreaking and spiritually distressing.
CBCN President, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri, and Secretary, Most Rev. Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun, Bishop of Uromi,in a statement said the bishops are in deep sorrow over the continued violence which they said “wounds our collective spirit.”
The renewed bloodshed, which follows a previous CBCN statement on June 6 condemning killings in Benue and flooding in Mokwa, has compelled the Church to act once more.
The CBCN declared a Nine-Day National Prayer from Saturday, June 21 to Sunday, June 29, 2025, coinciding with the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul and called on all Catholics in Nigeria and people of goodwill to be a part.
The prayer schedule they said will involve daily recitation of the Holy Rosary followed by the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress. On the final day, all dioceses and parishes are directed to offer Holy Mass for national healing, peace, and the repose of victims’ souls.
Families, parishes, and communities are also urged to unite in prayer for divine protection and the conversion of those responsible for the killings, many of whom are said to be targeting unarmed civilians, including women and children.
“As shepherds of God’s flock and guardians of our nation’s conscience,” the bishops wrote, “we cannot remain silent while innocent blood is spilled.”
In a show of goodwill, the CBCN has dispatched emergency aid to some affected communities ahead of a high-level CBCN delegation which would soon visit the areas on a solidarity mission.
To those suffering in Benue and other crisis-hit areas, the bishops offered reassurance: “The Church stands with you.”
The statement concluded with a passionate invocation: May our Lady, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria, intercede for our nation. May Christ, the Prince of Peace, heal our land.”
