Catholic Church Revival in Maiduguri: Thousands Return Amid Violence

In a region long plagued by violence, Catholic churches in north-east Nigeria are experiencing a remarkable revival. Religious leaders in the area report a significant increase in the number of worshippers returning to church, with Bishop Oliver Doeme noting a return “in their thousands, not hundreds.” This resurgence comes after more than a decade of turmoil.

The Diocese of Maiduguri, located in Borno State, has been at the forefront of this religious renewal. Bishops Oliver Doeme and John Bakeni have observed that church attendance has surpassed levels seen before the insurgency led by Boko Haram. The extremist group, which originated in Maiduguri, has been responsible for the deaths of an estimated 20,000 people and the displacement of over two million since 2009.

Bishop Doeme revealed that the violence had forced over 90,000 Catholics to flee, resulting in the destruction of more than 210 churches and the deaths of over a thousand congregants. Despite these challenges, the diocese has seen a significant revival.

“The faith of our people is unshakeable,” Bishop Doeme shared with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). “The number of Catholics we have in our diocese now is more than the number of Catholics we had before the Boko Haram crisis.” This renewal is evident in the increase in religious ceremonies, including weddings, First Holy Communions, and baptisms, with child baptisms alone numbering 1,000.

The Whuabazhi Pilgrimage Centre, supported by ACN, has become a focal point of spiritual renewal, attracting large numbers of believers. The bishops describe it as a place where “people come back healed” and as a beacon of hope, especially for young people.

During the peak of the insurgency, particularly between 2009 and 2014, entire Christian communities were targeted, and many villages were emptied. Of the 279 people abducted, including children, 100 have yet to return. Some young men were forcibly recruited by extremists and remain missing, according to Bishop Doeme’s account to ACN.

Despite these hardships, clergy continued to visit rural communities to conduct religious services, often at great personal risk. Bishop Doeme noted that persecution has paradoxically strengthened the Church, saying, “The moment the church faces persecution, the people become more alive, their faith becomes more active.” He added, “Despite gunshots … bomb attacks … series of attacks … you will find them going to Masses for their sacraments.”

While Maiduguri has seen improvements in security, Bishop Bakeni highlighted the ongoing instability in other parts of Nigeria. He expressed concern over the widespread violence, stating, “There is a cloud of fear, anxiety and insecurity hovering over our country. Every day Nigerians are being killed, or abducted or kidnapped. This has become a reality.”

In other areas, Catholic leaders have called for increased government intervention to stop the violence. In Taraba State, recent attacks attributed to militant Fulani herdsmen resulted in 10 deaths and widespread devastation. Clergy in Wukari Diocese report over 100 deaths in recent months, with more than 200 churches and communities destroyed and tens of thousands displaced.

Pope Leo XIV has expressed sorrow over the ongoing violence and urged prayers for peace.

In the face of such adversity, the resurgence of church life in Maiduguri is seen as extraordinary. Bishop Bakeni remarked, “Ordinarily, when people are confronted with violence, the church should be less populated. But what we are seeing is the opposite.” He continued, “As bad as the persecution is, this is the testimonies we have. It’s the testimonies of faith and the faith which is tested.”