Catholic Bishops Express Solidarity with Muslims Over Abduction of 60 Worshippers in Niger
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has expressed solidarity with the Muslim community following the abduction of more than 60 worshippers in Borgu, Niger State, describing the incident as another indication of the worsening insecurity in the country.
The Bishops have therefore called on the Federal Government to intensify intelligence-led operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers to make Nigeria safer for all citizens.
In a statement signed by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, the CBCN expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation across the country.
The Conference also condemned the reported attack in Ukum, Benue State, where 47 people were reportedly killed and 17 others critically injured.
The Bishops stressed that insecurity must not be viewed through religious, ethnic or political lenses, but as a national challenge requiring a united response.
They called for the immediate and safe release of the abducted Muslim worshippers and urged security agencies to adopt proactive, intelligence-driven strategies capable of dismantling criminal networks before they carry out attacks.
The CBCN further called for the swift prosecution of perpetrators and sponsors of violence, warning that failure to hold criminals accountable would only encourage a culture of impunity.
The Bishops reaffirmed their solidarity with victims of violence and their families, urging the authorities to strengthen efforts to protect lives and restore public confidence in the nation’s security system.
