(Photo: Aid to the Church in Need)
The persistent violence that has plagued Nigeria has drawn significant international concern, with the Catholic Church and the Pope urging the Nigerian government to enhance its efforts in safeguarding citizens. The country faces a grim reality where kidnappings and killings, particularly targeting Christians, have become distressingly frequent.
Incidents of violence are often attributed to Islamist militia and armed gangs, leading to a dire situation for religious communities. Last year, Catholic bishop Wilfred Anagbe highlighted the pattern of violence, noting that attacks during Christian celebrations had become “customary” in certain regions. Similarly, bishop John Bakeni described the violence in some areas as having “assumed genocidal character.”
Despite a nationwide emergency declared by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in November, and the US conducting airstrikes on Islamist camps during Christmas, the violence persists. The President also announced plans to double the size of the police force.
January witnessed particularly brutal incidents, including the killing of a pastor and his family, the abduction of over 160 Christians during church services, and the execution of dozens of Christian and Muslim men by bandits.
In a tragic episode, Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, a Catholic priest, was kidnapped on February 7 by gunmen, shortly after jihadist militants killed 160 people in Kwara State. Reports indicate that the victims were Muslims who opposed an extreme form of Islam.
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) expressed deep concern, stating, “The recurring carnage has become a stain on the conscience of our nation. How can it be justified that, outside of war, over 160 innocent civilians were slaughtered in one coordinated attack in Woro, Kwara State?
“How do we explain the repeated killings and abductions in Agwara and Tungan Gero in Niger State, the wiping out of entire farming communities in Katsina and Kaduna, and the ongoing violence in Borno? This is not ‘instability’ but a massacre allowed by silence and a betrayal of every Nigerian’s right to live in peace.”
The CSN called on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to prevent such atrocities, bring perpetrators to justice, and provide support to survivors.
Pope Leo XIV, addressing the situation during his weekly Sunday Angelus prayer, said, “It is with sorrow and concern that I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria leading to a heavy loss of life.
“I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims of violence and terrorism. I likewise hope that the competent authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of the life of every citizen.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
