Catholic Bishops Demand Urgent Justice, Investigation of ‘Delayed’ Security Response Following Mass Abductions in Kebbi and Niger States

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) today, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, issued a strongly worded demand for urgent government action to halt the escalating violence and terror engulfing the nation, calling the incessant attacks on communities a “grave moral and constitutional failure.”

In a powerful statement titled “Peace in Nigeria: Moving from Fragility to Stability,” jointly signed by CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, and Secretary, Bishop Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun, the Bishops decried the frightening spate of violence that has claimed countless lives and displaced thousands.

The Bishops highlighted the recent catastrophic mass abductions, specifically referencing the kidnapping of over 300 schoolchildren and teachers in Niger State, the 25 young girls in Kebbi, and worshippers in Kwara, as terrifying evidence of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.

“When criminals can strike schools, farms, and communities with impunity, it threatens the very foundations of family life, education, and social stability,” the Bishops warned.

Demands for Justice and Investigation

The CBCN’s statement moved beyond mere condemnation to demand specific, decisive action from the federal and state governments:

1. Exposure and Prosecution: The Bishops called for the immediate identification, apprehension, and prosecution of all abductors to dismantle the criminal syndicates and bring an end to the culture of impunity.

2. Immediate Safe Return: Governments must take all lawful measures to secure the immediate and safe return of all abducted persons, including students and teachers.

3. Accountability for Delays: Crucially, the CBCN demanded an investigation into alleged delayed or absent security responses in affected communities. The Bishops noted that such delays have eroded public trust and created suspicion of possible collusion or negligence on the part of security forces.

The CBCN acknowledged that the violence affects all Nigerians, regardless of faith, but stressed that the fragile social and religious climate has been worsened by the unchecked rampage of criminal groups. The Bishops reiterated that while moral formation is essential, the government must prioritize security, as its failure to protect human life renders all other achievements hollow.