Catholic bishops condemned rising insecurity, and told Tinubu’s government that Nigerians had reached breaking point

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has voiced renewed concern over the worsening security crisis across the country, and warned that a steady wave of killings, kidnappings and violent attacks has left Nigerians exhausted and increasingly afraid.

The bishops stated their position at a special Mass of thanksgiving held at the historic Cathedral of the Holy Cross in honor of Cardinal Anthony Okogie, who celebrated his 90th birthday, six decades as a priest and 55 years as a bishop.

Speaking at the celebration, Archbishop of Lagos and Vice President of CBCN, Alfred Martins, said that the deteriorating security situation remains the most painful challenge facing the country and called on President Bola Tinubu and government officials at all levels to intensify efforts to restore security across the country.

Martins said, “We recognize the challenges Nigeria faces today; most importantly, the issue of insecurity is an issue that breaks the hearts of everyone here.

“When we wake up every day, we hear news about the atrocities committed by Boko Haram, bandits and all kinds of criminals across the country.”

He deplored the continuing spate of kidnappings, attacks on security personnel and forced displacement of communities, and described a situation that was increasingly difficult to understand.

According to him, “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 thrown out of their homes and even traditional rulers leaving their territories for fear of being attacked. It is becoming increasingly difficult to understand what is happening in our country.”

The cleric opined that the most meaningful birthday gift that Cardinal Okogie could have given to Cardinal Okogie was the restoration of peace and security across Nigeria.

He said, “One of the great gifts that can be given to him is for those who have the responsibility to lead us at all levels of government to step up their efforts so that society can live in peace, sleep with both eyes closed and walk around without fear and sorrow. Security agencies need to be well empowered to do their jobs and encouraged to face the risks associated with their profession. Everyone is tired. Governments at all levels and security agencies must do more.”

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The bishops’ concerns come amid renewed concerns about insecurity across the country, with several communities facing attacks by armed groups, while kidnapped schoolchildren in parts of Oyo and Borno states are still being held hostage more than a month after their abduction.

While acknowledging that the Federal Government has maintained relations with church leaders and has recorded some successes in its security operations, Martins said that the overall situation continues to deteriorate.

“As CBCN, we continue to show the way for this country. We have conveyed this problem to the President through private audiences and he has always explained to us what the government is doing to overcome this problem. However, even though there have been small successes recorded at different times, the problem still exists, and is even getting worse,” he said.

The Mass of thanksgiving was also a celebration of Cardinal Okogie’s legacy as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken figures on justice, governance and human rights.

While delivering the homily, the Archbishop of Benin City, Augustine Akubueze, described the cleric as a fearless defender of truth whose voice resonated during some of Nigeria’s most turbulent political periods.

Akubueze said, “During the years of political instability, military dictatorship, social injustice and moral confusion, Cardinal Okogie did not remain silent. He spoke with courage when silence was safer. He defended the dignity of the human person when many were afraid to do so. He reminded the people that political power without moral responsibility destroys rulers and nations.”

Reflecting on Okogie’s public interventions over the years, he added: “Throughout his military and civilian years, he maintained 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 violations, political intimidation, and the cancellation of the June 12, 1993 elections, and refused to remain silent despite pressure and threats.”

Akubueze stated that the Cardinal’s example remained relevant in a period marked by economic hardship, insecurity and social uncertainty.

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

While addressing the younger generation of Nigerians, the Archbishop urged them to exercise perseverance and integrity rather than look for shortcuts to success.

“No nation can prosper only through slogans, miracles or empty promises. This requires productivity, responsibility and moral renewal,” he said.

The event attracted dozens of bishops, archbishops, pastors and dignitaries, including Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Olayemi Cardoso and Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The message from Pope Leo XIV, delivered through the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Michael Francis Crotty, celebrated Okogie’s lifelong dedication to the Church.

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

Representing the Lagos State Government, Sanwo-Olu praised the Cardinal’s enduring influence on national life and moral leadership.

“For many Nigerians, His Excellency served as a moral compass in times of uncertainty. For decades, he stood as a voice of conscience and a fearless advocate for truth, justice, good governance and the dignity of every human being,” said Sanwo-Olu. “At times when silence was more comfortable, he chose courage. When many people preferred neutrality, he stood firmly on the side of principle.”

The governor further noted that Okogie’s impact includes not only religious leadership, but also education, health care, and human services.

“Your life reminds us that true leadership is not measured by titles or positions, but by service and the positive impact left behind,” he added.