Catholic Bishops To Fed & State Govts: Expose Kidnappers, Make Dem Face Justice

Di Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Tuesday urge federal and state governments make dem urgently identify and prosecute di abductors behind recent kidnappings for different states. Di bishops lament di worsening security wey don claim countless lives, destroy communities and push thousands into IDP camps. Dem demand quick rescue of all abducted persons and investigation into alleged delayed security responses to rebuild public trust. For statement titled “Peace in Nigeria: Moving from Fragility to Stability”, signed by Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and Bishop Donatus Ogun, CBCN say Nigeria’s fragile social and religious climate don worsen because of rampant violence, unconstitutional actions by some Shariah institutions and alleged Hisbah abuses for di North. Dem express concern over repeated attacks for North and Middle Belt, noting say delayed or absent security responses dey raise suspicion of collusion or negligence. Di bishops add say Christians, Muslims and other ethnic groups all dey suffer di same violence. Dem point recent mass abductions—Kwara worshippers, 25 girls for Kebbi, 13 female farmers for Borno and over 265 schoolchildren for Niger—as evidence of deepening insecurity, plus di killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and many security personnel.

CBCN talk say when criminals fit strike schools, farms and communities freely, e don threaten family life, education and social stability. Dem call on government to fulfil its constitutional duty under Section 14(2)(b) to protect lives and property, stressing say impunity must end. Dem insist say those behind di crimes must be identified and brought to justice and reports of delayed or withheld security response must be probed. Dem urge urgent rescue of all abducted victims and safe return of displaced citizens to dia ancestral homes. Di bishops also raise alarm on persistent attacks on rights and freedoms of Christian minorities in northern states, including denial of land to build churches, destruction of worship centres and overreach of Sharia Courts wey dey threaten Nigeria’s secular character. CBCN recall di killing of Deborah Samuel Yakubu and demand justice, warning say impunity dey endanger everybody. Dem condemn Hisbah harassment of Christians and Muslims, stressing say Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity suppose bring unity and peace. Di bishops hail Nigerians for dia resilience and urge all citizens to stay united, reject hatred, uphold justice and work together to build a nation of harmony, fairness and hope.