Catholic Bishops Condemn Federal Government Over Continued Killings in Benue
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has strongly criticised the federal government over its handling of the ongoing violence and killings in Benue State, describing the situation as a national tragedy and a failure of leadership.
In a statement issued after an emergency meeting in Abuja, the Bishops expressed deep sorrow and outrage over what they described as the government’s silence and inaction in the face of relentless attacks on innocent civilians. According to the CBCN, entire communities in Benue are being wiped out while the federal authorities continue to offer “empty promises and cosmetic responses.”
“What we are witnessing in Benue is not just a security failure; it is a humanitarian catastrophe that has been allowed to fester for far too long,” the Bishops said. “The lives of innocent men, women, and children are being cut short daily, while those responsible for ensuring their safety offer little more than words.”
Benue State has been gripped by renewed violence in recent months, with dozens of communities reportedly attacked by suspected herders and armed militias. Human rights groups and local sources report that hundreds have been killed and thousands displaced, with survivors forced to flee to overcrowded and under-resourced camps for displaced persons.
The CBCN warned that the persistent bloodshed and the government’s lack of decisive action could fuel further instability across the country.
The Bishops urged President Bola Tinubu to treat the crisis with the urgency it deserves by deploying adequate security forces, launching thorough investigations, and ensuring that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
“The consistent pattern of inaction, denial, and superficial responses from those in authority betrays the oath they swore to protect the lives and dignity of every Nigerian citizen,” the statement continued. “No government that claims legitimacy can turn a blind eye while its people are slaughtered in their sleep.”
The Bishops also demanded that displaced persons be given adequate care and that the rebuilding of devastated communities begin without delay. They expressed solidarity with the people of Benue and reaffirmed their commitment to speaking out against injustice and violence.
“The tears of mothers, the cries of children, and the silence of mass graves should haunt the conscience of our nation,” the Bishops said. “As pastors, we cannot and will not remain silent. Our faith demands that we defend life, speak truth to power, and call evil by its name.”
The CBCN’s statement adds to growing calls from civil society, religious leaders, and international observers urging the federal government to do more to protect lives and restore peace in Nigeria’s most vulnerable communities.
