Catholic bishops lament rising insecurity, demand urgent govt action

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has lamented the worsening state of insecurity in the country, declaring that “everyone is tired” of the persistent killings, kidnappings and violence across Nigeria.

The bishops made the remarks during a special thanksgiving Mass held at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, on Tuesday, to celebrate the 90th birthday, 60 years of priestly ministry and 55 years of episcopal service of Emeritus Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie.

Speaking at the event, the Archbishop of Lagos and Vice President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Alfred Martins, urged President Bola Tinubu and all levels of government to intensify efforts to restore peace and security to the country.

Martins said, “We are aware of the challenges facing Nigeria at this time; most significantly, the issue of insecurity is the one problem that breaks the heart of everyone here.

“As we wake up every day, we hear news of atrocities by Boko Haram, bandits and all sorts of criminals all over the country.”

The archbishop lamented the increasing incidents of kidnappings, attacks on security personnel and the displacement of communities across the country.

He said, “Every day we hear of people being kidnapped by so-called bandits and other criminals. We hear of soldiers being ambushed and killed, including generals; people being displaced from their homes and even traditional rulers fleeing their domains for fear of attack. It is becoming more difficult to understand what is going on in our country.”

Martins said the most fitting birthday gift the nation’s leaders could offer Okogie would be a safer and more peaceful nation.

He said, “One great gift that can be given to him is for those who have responsibility for leading us at all levels of government to step up their efforts so that people can live in peace, sleep with both eyes closed and travel the streets without fear and anguish. Security agencies need to be properly empowered to do their duties and encouraged to face the risks associated with their profession. Everyone is tired. Government at all levels and the security agencies should do more.”

Nigeria has witnessed an upsurge in insecurity in recent months, with a police report indicating that no fewer than 50 bandit attacks were launched in one week.

The abducted pupils, students and teachers in schools in Borno and Oyo states are yet to be rescued since the incidents occurred over a month ago.

There have also been abductions in Kwara and Ekiti states, apart from killings and other acts of terrorism across all zones of the country.

While acknowledging government efforts and engagements between government officials and the bishops, Martins said the security situation had continued to deteriorate despite some successes.

“As CBCN, we have continuously pointed out the path for the country. We have brought these matters to the attention of the President through private audiences and he has always explained to us what the government is doing to overcome the problems. However, despite the little successes recorded at different times, the problems persist, and they are even getting worse,” he said.

The celebration also featured tributes to Okogie, regarded as one of Nigeria’s most courageous voices against injustice and bad governance.

In his homily, the Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Akubueze, described Cardinal Okogie as a courageous shepherd, defender of truth and a prophetic voice during some of the most difficult periods in Nigeria’s history.

According to him, Okogie’s life and ministry exemplify faithful service to God, humility, compassion, patience and commitment to justice.

Akubueze said, “During years of political instability, military dictatorship, social injustice and moral confusion, Cardinal Okogie did not remain silent. He spoke with courage when silence would have been safer. He defended the dignity of the human person when many feared to do so. He reminded society that political power without moral responsibility destroys both the ruler and the nation.”

The former President of the CBCN noted that Okogie consistently condemned corruption, injustice, abuse of power and poor governance under both military and civilian administrations.

“Throughout both military and civilian dispensations, he insisted that political leadership must be rooted in truth, justice, accountability and respect for human dignity. During the military era, he courageously opposed oppression, human rights abuses, political intimidation and the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election, refusing to remain silent despite pressures and threats,” he added.

Akubueze noted that Okogie’s prophetic witness remains relevant at a time of economic hardship, insecurity and growing pressure on Christian values. He urged political and religious leaders to embrace integrity, accountability, simplicity of life and fidelity to the Gospel.

“His prophetic witness continues to call both political and religious leaders to integrity, accountability, simplicity of life and fidelity to the Gospel,” he said.

The cleric also challenged young Nigerians to pursue success through hard work, education, perseverance and integrity rather than shortcuts.

“No nation prospers through slogans, miracles or empty promises alone. It requires productivity, responsibility and moral renewal,” he said.

The event attracted no fewer than 47 cardinals, archbishops and bishops; many religious and other members of the clergy; lay faithful, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Lagos State, Stephen Adegbite.

Pope Leo XIV and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu paid tribute during the Mass.

In a message delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, Pope Leo XIV congratulated Cardinal Okogie on the milestone celebrations and commended his many years of faithful service to the Church.

“On the blessed occasion of your 90th birthday, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV expresses to you his warmest greetings and prayerful good wishes,” the message read.

The Pope also expressed appreciation for Okogie’s constant prayers and witness of faith manifested through decades of generous service to God and humanity.

Sanwo-Olu, whose address was delivered by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the celebrant as a blessing to generations and a moral compass for Nigeria.

According to the governor, Okogie occupies a unique place in both the history of Nigeria and the Catholic Church.